Neanderthal Legacy: DNA Study Turns Conventional Wisdom of Human Evolution Upside Down

A recent DNA study is challenging the long-held view that modern humans were the dominant species to migrate out of Africa, highlighting the crucial role of interbreeding with Neanderthals in the survival of early human populations.

The research suggests that human populations went extinct multiple times before populating the world, contrary to the concept of a triumphant migration out of Africa. Specifically, it points to interbreeding with Neanderthals around 48,000 years ago as a key factor in their survival and expansion. Populations that did not interbreed with Neanderthals eventually died out, underscoring the significance of this genetic exchange. One of the most striking findings is that Neanderthal genes provided essential protection against new diseases. This is supported by separate DNA studies indicating that modern humans retained certain Neanderthal traits that offered an evolutionary advantage in adapting to new environments. The research further highlights the environmental factors that may have led to the demise of both humans and Neanderthals in Europe, instead of the traditional notion of human dominance.

Analysis of ancient human DNA from Europe has revealed a previously unknown branch of the human family tree, corresponding to six individuals dating back 45,000 years in what is now Germany. In addition to dismissing the 'dominant species' hypothesis, the findings indicate that human-Neanderthal exchanges occurred on a regular basis, with the peak activity happening 47,000 years ago. This period uncovered a genetic exchange of both beneficial and detrimental traits, including those connected to immune function, skin pigmentation, and metabolism. As time has passed, Neanderthal breed has declined.

While this groundbreaking research sheds new light on human history, questions remain, such as the reasons behind varying amounts of Neanderthal ancestry among different regions, and how Neanderthal genomes show little evidence of human DNA. A clearer understanding of how and why these exchanges occurred, will undoubtedly provide crucial insights into human evolution, ultimately rewriting the narrative of humanity's history.