English scientists say that Neanderthal and modern humans interacted beginning about 50,000 years ago and did so for about 20,000 years before Neanderthal went extinct. They believe the species interacted for about 5,400 years in Europe before Neanderthal went extinct. Per the article:


Neanderthals and Homo sapiens were both living in Europe at the same time for around 5,400 years, according to a new study that has many other implications. For starters, it’s now possible that Neanderthals and our species mated and otherwise interacted for some 20,000 years. “Significant interbreeding between Neanderthals and early modern humans had probably already occurred in Asia more than 50,000 years ago, so the dating evidence now indicates that the two populations could have been in some kind of contact with each other for up to 20,000 years, first in Asia then later in Europe,” Chris Stringer, research leader in Human Origins at the Natural History Museum in London, explained.


The study has been published in the latest edition of the journal, Nature.



Views: 230

Replies to This Discussion

i imagine that means most of us are hybrids. Maybe that hybridization gave us greater versitality, vigor, and diversity.

Studies indicate that except for sub-Saharan Africans the average human is between 1% and 4% Neanderthal. I had my DNA tested by National Geographic and it said I was 2.9% Neanderthal and 3% Denisovan which is another archaic extinct species of humans.


It seems likely that the interbreeding made us heartier as a species and helped us to develop new technology. Per the article:


“This may support the idea that some of the changes in Neanderthal and early modern human technology after 60,000 years ago can be attributed to a process of acculturation between these two human groups,” Stringer said.

I didn't know, or forgot, that we interbred with Denisovans also.  Good to know.  Thanks John.

Waiting for my result.  They have sent a couple of updates.  

Being a complete amateur about paleontology, I am trying to learn how the various Homo fit together.


" A comparison with the genome of a Neanderthal from the same cave revealed significant local interbreeding, with local Neanderthal DNA representing 17% of the Denisovan genome, while evidence was also detected of interbreeding with an as yet unidentified ancient human lineage"

also from that article

Sentient, how do you get a dna test like that? I'm sure l could google it but my service is sporadic.

National Geographic genographic project.  The funds support research, not just the cost of the kit.  

If you have a brother or father who you can send in DNA, you can also determine your paternal line.  Otherwise it's maternal plus a mixture of your parents that became you.

I learned about this from John J.  He reported his results.  Very interesting information.

What about 23andme.com?

Thanks Joseph. I checked that one out also. That test has dropped to 99 dollars while the nat-geo one came in at about 200. There has been a class action lawsuit filed against 23andme over the medical predators portion of the test. That's irrelevant to the testing if you're only interested in the basic Neanderthal genes.
At least that's the way l read it. Hello, I could be wrong. It wouldn't be the first time.

Yeah, I vaguely remember something about a lawsuit.  I think they were essentially offering a little too much advice about potential genetic issues you might have, without being properly authorized to do so, from a medical perspective.

I dunno.  I got myself tested before that went down, and I never noticed anything to complain about.  Of course from the perspective of pretty much any genetic disorder, I have no bad genes, apparently.  So, I never would have seen anything like what you're talking about.

I think the cost of both of them are about the same. That is, if I am not mistaken 23andme charges $99 for only one parental side whereas NG charges $200 for both.

That's good to know John. Thanks.
Thanks Sentient.



Update Your Membership :




Nexus on Social Media:



Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service