Discovering Our Shared Past
For centuries, Neanderthals were seen as distant relatives of modern humans, a separate species that went extinct long ago. However, groundbreaking research powered by AI has unveiled a much more complex and intertwined history. Scientists have demonstrated that modern humans and Neanderthals not only crossed paths but also interbred and merged populations over a staggering timeline of nearly 250,000 years.
This new understanding shows that Neanderthals didn’t simply vanish; instead, they were absorbed into the modern human gene pool. Their genetic legacy continues to influence what it means to be human today, reshaping our perceptions of our ancestry and identity. This study challenges traditional views and invites us to rethink our historical narrative regarding early human evolution and interactions.
