Saturday, May 15, 2010

It's all about the DNA

DNA analysis has demonstrated that modern humans and Neanderthals interbred at some point. But is it correct to call them one species, or should they be separate? Scientists have gone back and forth over this for over 150 years. Are we dealing with Homo sapiens neanderthalensis or Homo neanderthalensis? That's only one of the mysteries further analysis promises to unlock. Another is the migration patterns of ancient humans and their ancestors.
COMMENT: It must be one heck of an exciting time to be an anthropologist. Maybe the most exciting time ever to be one.

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