All humans have at least a little Neanderthal DNA, a 2020 study found.
AdvertisementThen, around 75,000 years ago, Neanderthals were living in Asia and Europe when some humans started moving out of Africa.
To figure out when our ancient human ancestors hooked up with Neanderthals, the researchers compared stretches of Neanderthal DNA in their genomes.
For example, the researchers found both current and ancient humans have Neanderthal genes that affect metabolism, immunity, and skin pigmentation.
They speculate that these characteristics may have benefited ancient humans who inherited them and then kept passing them on.
Persons:
—, they've, intermingling, John Hawks, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Bill O'Leary, Max Planck, Hawks, Nikola Solic, hasn't
Organizations:
Service, Business, University of Wisconsin –, Smithsonian Museum, Washington, Getty, Max, Max Planck Institute, Evolutionary Anthropology, University of California, Hawks, Reuters
Locations:
Asia, Europe, Africa, Berkeley, West Nile