A pair of new studies reveal that modern humans and Neanderthals interbred for an extended period, peaking 47,000 years ago, preserving genetic traces in today’s humans.
This research doesn’t upend current understanding but enriches the complexity of human origins by detailing the timeline and extent of Neanderthal interbreeding.
Scientists found that Neanderthals and humans interbred for around 7,000 years starting about 50,500 years ago, showing a pattern of regular interactions.
Fernando Villanea stated, 'It paints a different story than this rare encounter. Whenever you ran into a Neanderthal, it was okay to have a baby with a Neanderthal,' indicating frequent interbreeding.
Collection
[
|
...
]