From the Research
Neanderthals were an ancient human species that lived in Europe and parts of Asia from about 400,000 to 40,000 years ago, and their legacy continues to influence modern human traits through introgressed DNA. They were closely related to modern humans, sharing about 99.7% of their DNA with us, and are considered our evolutionary cousins rather than direct ancestors [ 1 ]. Physically, Neanderthals were stockier and more muscular than modern humans, with prominent brow ridges, wide noses, and slightly larger brains. They were well-adapted to cold climates during the Ice Age, creating tools, controlling fire, hunting large animals, and even developing cultural practices like burying their dead. Evidence suggests they had some form of language and symbolic thinking. Some key characteristics of Neanderthals include:
- Stocky and muscular build
- Prominent brow ridges and wide noses
- Slightly larger brains than modern humans
- Well-adapted to cold climates during the Ice Age
- Capable of creating tools, controlling fire, and hunting large animals
- Developed cultural practices like burying their dead Neanderthals eventually went extinct, though many modern humans of European and Asian descent carry small amounts of Neanderthal DNA (about 1-4%) due to interbreeding between the species thousands of years ago [ 1 ]. This genetic legacy has influenced certain traits in modern humans, including aspects of our immune system and skin characteristics. The most recent study on the topic, published in 2022, highlights the contribution of Neanderthal introgression to modern human traits, providing valuable insights into the complex relationships between Neanderthals and modern humans [ 1 ].