Surprising diversity found among Europe's last Neanderthals
A study published in Nature analyzed DNA from 27 Neanderthals in northwestern Europe living less than 52,500 years ago. The findings reveal these populations were genetically diverse and connected rather than isolated. This evidence suggests inbreeding did not cause the species' extinction.
What changed
New genetic data from the Meuse Basin challenges previous theories that late Neanderthals suffered from poor genetic health and isolation.
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DNA Analysis Shows High Genetic Diversity in Europe's Last Neanderthals
confidence 90%A study published in Nature analyzed DNA from 27 Neanderthals in northwestern Europe living less than 52,500 years ago. The findings reveal these populations were genetically diverse and connected rather than isolated. This evidence suggests inbreeding did not cause the species' extinction.
What's confirmed:
- A study in the journal Nature examined DNA from 27 Neanderthals from ten sites in France and Belgium.
- Neanderthals in northwestern Europe living less than 52,500 years ago exhibited surprising genetic diversity.
- The research indicates these populations were connected and not in genetic decline.
- These individuals did not show genetic signatures of mating among close relatives.
- There is no evidence of recent gene flow from modern humans among these individuals, despite overlapping temporally from around 47,000 years ago.
Still unconfirmed:
- The new DNA study bolsters suspicions of human-driven extinction.
- The last Neanderthals in Europe experienced a major population turnover resulting in little gene pool diversity prior to disappearing 40,000 years ago.