Read previewScientists are one step closer to solving the mystery of humanity's last great extinction: why the Neanderthals died off.
AdvertisementThis explained why Thorin's DNA seemed so much more ancient than his bones.
His DNA resembles Neanderthals who lived over 100,000 years ago, but Thorin was 50,000 years younger, according to the recent study.
Related storiesThat means, people within the community reproduced amongst themselves for more than 50,000 years, spawning a unique lineage distinct from other Neanderthal groups, according to the researchers.
"We have this incredible extinction, which is the last great extinction of humanity," Slimak said.
Persons:
—, Ludovic Slimak, MATTHIEU RONDEL, Thorin, Slimak, Bill O'Leary, Thorins, Nikola Solic, Nowell
Organizations:
Service, Business, Cell Genomics, Smithsonian Museum, Washington, Getty, Reuters, University of Victoria
Locations:
France, Thorin's, Massif, Krapina, Croatia