The mountains where Neanderthals forever changed human genetics
Briefly

Around 28,000 years ago, Neanderthals faced extinction while Homo sapiens thrived, possibly aided by their domestication of dogs for hunting and protection.
Modern humans carry up to 4% Neanderthal DNA, suggesting that interbreeding occurred primarily outside Africa, particularly in regions like the Zagros Mountains.
Genetic studies show Neanderthal DNA is most prevalent in East Asians, followed by Europeans, and is virtually absent in sub-Saharan African populations.
The ecological niche modeling conducted by archaeologists pinpointed the Zagros Mountains in Iran as a significant site for early interactions between Neanderthals and Homo sapiens.
Read at Big Think
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