On December 12, 2024, BBC published an article about how Neanderthal DNA has seemed to help humans to thrive as a species. The article highlights how Neanderthal genes helped protect humans from diseases that had not been experienced yet. The DNA extracted from the fossil record helps to understand how individuals and populations relate to each other, but they also help to show migratory patterns. The populations that had migrated out of Africa to Europe had not survived until later populations began breeding with Neanderthals. While these populations ended up dying off about 40,000 years ago, their offspring did spread out and populate the world more and even eventually returned to Europe. The research also explains how previous hypotheses about why Neanderthals went extinct are likely incorrect and that it is supported that environmental factors would have been the most likely cause. The parts of Neanderthal DNA that humans held on to has likely been the reason for our success as a species.
I find it interesting that a species that was less successful than humans is now believed to be critical in our success. It changes my perspective on past species and even humans as a species knowing that we would not be where we are today without these other species. The immune systems that developed from Neanderthal genetics helped the human species survive diseases they would not have normally.
This was a really interesting read, and I agree that it really changes the perspective on how we view early human evolution. To think that mating with another species played such a big role in our evolution and success is fascinating. This kind of research really shows how ancient genetic contributions have influenced our immune system and overall resilience.
ReplyDeleteHi Cassie, this article is fascinating, the idea that Neanderthal DNA played such a crucial role in shaping human immunity and survival. It’s fascinating to think that a species once seen as less successful actually contributed so much to our evolutionary advantage. It also makes me think about how interconnected different species' histories are, and how survival isn’t always about dominance, but sometimes about collaboration and genetic exchange. The fact that their DNA helped us fight off diseases we hadn’t even encountered yet is a powerful reminder of how important genetic diversity and adaptation are for long-term survival.
ReplyDelete