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Neanderthal & Human Mating: Who Preferred Whom?
27 Feb
Summary
- New analysis suggests more human women paired with Neanderthal men.
- Neanderthal DNA is unevenly distributed in the human genome.
- Mating behavior, not just survival, shaped gene inheritance.
Recent genetic research indicates that during periods when Neanderthals and modern humans coexisted, pairings were more frequently between human females and Neanderthal males. This finding sheds light on the distribution of Neanderthal DNA within the human genome, which shows a notable scarcity on the X chromosome compared to other chromosomes.
The study analyzed genetic material from both Neanderthals and humans, focusing on interbreeding events that occurred approximately 250,000 years ago. Researchers observed a distinct pattern on the Neanderthal X chromosome, mirroring the scarcity found in human X chromosomes. This suggests a behavioral preference influencing genetic inheritance.
Scientists propose that this mirror-image pattern is best explained by the way sex chromosomes are passed down. Given that genetic females have two X chromosomes and males have one X and one Y, maternal inheritance plays a significant role. Therefore, more pairings between human females and Neanderthal males would lead to the observed genetic distribution.
While other explanations, such as reduced survival rates for offspring from human male-Neanderthal female pairings, cannot be entirely dismissed, the study emphasizes mating behavior and social interactions as the most probable cause. This research suggests that ancient human societies and their cultural dynamics significantly influenced our genetic makeup.
