47,000years ago, the meeting between Neanderthals and Homo Sapiens gave birth to the first hybrid babies
Around 47,000 years ago, a decisive encounter took place between Neanderthals and Homo sapiens. This interaction gave birth to the first babies from this union, marking a major turning point in the history of humanity.
The relationships between Neanderthals and Homo sapiens are of growing interest in the field of anthropology, because almost all of us carry a little something from our ancestors. The latest findings highlight interactions dating back around 47,000 years, when the two species met and produced common offspring. Researchers from the University of Oxford and the Max Planck Institute have published their work on the biorXiv platform , which has not yet been peer-reviewed , revealing DNA evidence of this cohabitation . These results reveal significant genetic exchanges, influencing the biology of modern humans. This ancient interaction enriches our understanding of human evolution and biological adaptations inherited from Neanderthals.
A crucial encounter 47,000 years ago between Homo sapiens and Neanderthals
The majority of current individuals possess fragments of Neanderthal genes, a legacy of prehistoric interactions with our extinct cousins. Researchers have long debated the time and place of these mixtures, and their frequency, as recalled by Science . Recent studies have revealed that the first hybrids between Neanderthals and Homo sapiens appeared around 47,000 years ago. This conclusion comes from DNA analyzes carried out on fossils found in Europe and Asia. Recent analysis of ancient and modern genomes suggests that Neanderthal DNA in contemporary populations originated from admixture around 47,000 years ago.
The results clarify the chronology of this unique and crucial period in human history. This is the first paper using dozens of ancient Homo sapiens genomes to answer this question. It could have implications for the timing of other major events in human evolution, such as the settlement of Australia.
These hybrid children, resulting from the encounter between Neanderthals and Homo sapiens, present genetic characteristics of both species. This demonstrates significant genetic exchange between populations. The results show that these hybrids had inherited physical and physiological traits from both parental lines. This may have contributed to their adaptation to the varied environments of the time.
Advanced research methods
Researchers used cutting-edge DNA sequencing techniques to study the fossil remains. These techniques include next-generation sequencing (NGS), which allows long segments of DNA to be read quickly and accurately. Scientists were able to extract ancient DNA and compare it to the genomes of Neanderthals and Homo sapiens.
Specifically, to do this, they analyzed the previously sequenced genomes of 59 ancient Homo sapiens, mainly from Western Europe and Asia, dating from between 45,000 and 2,200 years ago. The oldest included DNA from Ust'-Ishim man in western Siberia (45,000 years), Zlatý kůň woman from the Czech Republic (45,000 years), and individuals from the Bacho Kiro caves in Bulgaria (35,000 to 45,000 years old) and Peștera cu Oase in Romania (40,000 years old).
The data revealed segments of Neanderthal DNA in Homo sapiens, confirming hybridization. They also compared them to 275 current individuals from around the world.
The study dated these events to around 47,000 years ago using radiocarbon dating and genetic modeling. The researchers used sophisticated algorithms to reconstruct the genomes and estimate periods of divergence and hybridization. This combined approach provided strong evidence of intimate interaction between the two groups. The preprint does not specify how often Neanderthal and modern couples came together during this period. But such pairings probably weren't rare, says Fernando Villanea, a population geneticist at the University of Colorado at Boulder, in the Science article .
Genetic and anthropological implications
The discovery of these hybrids between Neanderthals and Homo sapiens has profound implications for our understanding of human evolution. It reveals that the genetic heritage of Neanderthals is more significant than previously thought. Segments of Neanderthal DNA present in modern populations influence various aspects of our biology, including our immune system, response to certain diseases, and even physiological traits such as bone density and skin structure.
These findings suggest that hybridization played a crucial role in the adaptation of Homo sapiens to new environments in Eurasia. Some genes inherited from Neanderthals have been linked to better adaptation to cold climates and local pathogens. This hybridization also allowed increased genetic diversification. It then provided an evolutionary advantage to human populations. By better understanding these ancient interactions, scientists can better explain the genetic variations and adaptations present in modern human populations. These discoveries thus enrich our understanding of evolution and human diversity.
Testimonies from researchers on the links between Homo sapiens and Neanderthals
Dr. Laura Weyrich, co-author of the study, emphasizes that “ this discovery changes our view of the interactions between Neanderthals and Homo sapiens. It shows that these encounters were frequent and had a lasting impact on our species .” These interactions were not limited to cultural exchanges, but also included significant genetic exchanges. This calls into question the idea that Neanderthals were a parallel branch and without major interaction with Homo sapiens. On the contrary, these encounters shaped the genetics of modern populations.
His colleague, Dr. Pontus Skoglund, adds that “ genetic evidence shows significant adaptation and resilience resulting from these ancient interactions .” Segments of Neanderthal DNA found in the modern human genome are linked to advantageous traits, such as enhanced immune response, environmental adaptations, skin pigmentation and metabolism.
These discoveries open the way to new investigations into Neanderthal influences in our genetic heritage and human history.
Source: Leonardo NM Iasi, et al., “ Neanderthal ancestry through time: Insights from genomes of ancient and present-day humans ”, bioRxiv 2024.05.13.593955