Recent research has refined the timeline of interbreeding between Neanderthals and ancient humans, placing the key events between 45,000 and 50,000 years ago. This is a more recent period than previous estimates, suggesting that modern humans migrated out of Africa later than initially thought.
The study, published in the journal Nature, analyzed ancient DNA from both Neanderthals and early Homo sapiens in Europe and Asia. By comparing these genomes, researchers were able to pinpoint a specific period when the two species interbred, leading to the transfer of Neanderthal genes into the modern human population.
This new timeline has significant implications for our understanding of human evolution, suggesting that the history of our species may need to be rewritten. It also highlights the complex and dynamic nature of human migration and interaction with other hominin species.
The study, published in the journal Nature, analyzed ancient DNA from both Neanderthals and early Homo sapiens in Europe and Asia. By comparing these genomes, researchers were able to pinpoint a specific period when the two species interbred, leading to the transfer of Neanderthal genes into the modern human population.
This new timeline has significant implications for our understanding of human evolution, suggesting that the history of our species may need to be rewritten. It also highlights the complex and dynamic nature of human migration and interaction with other hominin species.