Southeast University in Nanjing and Princeton University found significant gene flow between modern humans and Neanderthals in a remarkable study, shedding light on our interconnected evolutionary history. Neanderthals, who lived in Europe and Western Asia 400,000 years ago before dying 30,000 years ago, accompanied modern humans from Africa to the Middle East. This coexistence saw considerable genetic transfers between the species.
The researchers examined whole-genome sequence data from 2,000 modern humans and three Neanderthals using a unique method to assess human-introgressed sequences. The latest Science report shows that Neanderthal genomes contain 2.5–3.7% modern human genetic sequences. This genetic mixing illuminates our shared ancestry.
The study found that the Neanderthal population was 20% smaller than previously thought, suggesting that dangerous mutations accumulated more easily in their gene pool. This smaller population and genetic data suggest two rounds of gene transfer from humans to Neanderthals around 200,000 and 100,000 years ago.
These findings suggest that the Neanderthal population declined and was assimilated into the present human gene pool. The study illuminates our evolutionary past and highlights the complexity of human-Neanderthal connections. As we study our genetic history, we discover the fundamental links that create our identity and connect us to our ancestors.
