A new study says Neanderthals and humans likely mixed and mingled during a narrow time frame 45,000 years ago.

Summary

New research suggests humans and Neanderthals interbred around 45,000 years ago, refining earlier estimates.

Genetic analysis of ancient human remains from the Czech Republic and Germany revealed Neanderthal DNA, aiding in pinpointing the timeline.

A separate study highlights how Neanderthal genes related to immunity and metabolism helped early humans adapt outside Africa.

Modern humans still carry Neanderthal genetic traits, influencing skin color, hair color, and nose shape. Future studies aim to further unravel humanity’s genetic history and connections to extinct relatives like Denisovans.

  • Uruanna@lemmy.worldEnglish
    6·
    4 days ago

    We also know from that other study this summer that two groups of Neanderthals stayed in their respective cave system 10 days away from each other, for 50 000 years, and never interbred. People from the end of that 50 000 year period had the same gene pool as those from the beginning, and none from the neighbour group. 50 000 years of no one walking 10 days to clap cheeks. Until the extravert Sapiens jocks walked in and adopted an introvert Neanderthal to pull out of their cave and fuck for, apparently, some 5 000+ years, shortly before Neanderthal extinction (or assimilation of the hot ones into Sapiens I should say).

    That article pondered the difference in world views between the two, but yeah, autism works too.

    • Gloomy@mander.xyzEnglish
      3·
      4 days ago

      or assimilation of the hot ones into Sapiens I should say

      Why the hot ones only? Having a warrior brute around sounds sensible too. Or just a refugee family of neanderthals who’s children interbred with the sapiens after a generation.

      I think violence is a very valid theory in the process of interbreading, given how humans tend to be a violent species. But the fact that children resulted out of that interbreeding that were aloud to interbreed themselves speakers for at least some level of peacefully integration.

      • Hestkuk@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
        2·
        4 days ago

        But the fact that children resulted out of that interbreeding that were aloud to interbreed themselves speakers for at least some level of peacefully integration.

        At least as peaceful as slavery as it was practiced in the United States.

        • Gloomy@mander.xyzEnglish
          1·
          4 days ago

          That is of course possible and ultimately we will never know.

          I don’t have hard data on this, but if interbreeding between slaves / sex-slaves and whites would have been widespread I think there would be a lot more interracial people in the US. As it is the black and white ethnicities remain still notably separated, with laws up into the 1960 making it a crime to have partner that is not one’s own race.

          And yes, 1865 to now is a vastly smaller time frame than 45.000 years, and if we make it that long one the picture would be a different one.