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The mathematical model we presented provides a plausible explanation for the gradual disappearance of Neanderthals, suggesting that their genetic assimilation with H. sapiens, a demographically much larger species, may have been a significant factor in their decline. Rather than sudden extinction, our model proposes that repeated cycles of H. sapiens immigration leading to the Neanderthal gene dilution, could account for the Neanderthals’ disappearance and the observed patterns of Neanderthal ancestry in modern human populations. Although this model provides a possible robust genetic explanation, it is important to note that it does not exclude other possible contributing factors that were not considered in our approach, such as environmental changes, competition, or demographic fluctuations. Evidence of interbreeding and genetic introgression supports the notion that H. sapiens and Neanderthals interacted extensively over thousands of years. Therefore, the interplay of genetic, demographic, and environmental factors likely contributed to the complex process of Neanderthal demise.
Future studies incorporating both genetic and archaeological data will be crucial in refining our understanding of this pivotal moment in human evolution
Well, we’re starting to see a lot more Grolar bears (grizzly x polar bear hybrids) in the wild and I’m wondering if we may see something similar play out as ice keeps melting and their hybrid offspring are more suited to a land-based environment.
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Conclusion
The mathematical model we presented provides a plausible explanation for the gradual disappearance of Neanderthals, suggesting that their genetic assimilation with H. sapiens, a demographically much larger species, may have been a significant factor in their decline. Rather than sudden extinction, our model proposes that repeated cycles of H. sapiens immigration leading to the Neanderthal gene dilution, could account for the Neanderthals’ disappearance and the observed patterns of Neanderthal ancestry in modern human populations. Although this model provides a possible robust genetic explanation, it is important to note that it does not exclude other possible contributing factors that were not considered in our approach, such as environmental changes, competition, or demographic fluctuations. Evidence of interbreeding and genetic introgression supports the notion that H. sapiens and Neanderthals interacted extensively over thousands of years. Therefore, the interplay of genetic, demographic, and environmental factors likely contributed to the complex process of Neanderthal demise.
Future studies incorporating both genetic and archaeological data will be crucial in refining our understanding of this pivotal moment in human evolution
Makes perfect sense. We outnumbered them 10-1 when we were migrating out of Africa.
Well, we’re starting to see a lot more Grolar bears (grizzly x polar bear hybrids) in the wild and I’m wondering if we may see something similar play out as ice keeps melting and their hybrid offspring are more suited to a land-based environment.
neanderthals never truly died out. they still live in all of us. kind of beautiful
Well, mostly just in white people
Almost all people except sub-Saharan Africans
Yes, in fact Europeans have less Neanderthal ancestry than modern Asians and Australasians, who also have Denisovan ancestry.
So we were always horny as hell.
That's the secret to our success
Survival of the
fittestsluttiestSo we fucked them into extinction?
I think it was mostly Homo sapiens females that could produce fertile offspring with Neanderthal males.
I think it’s the reverse, given the lack of any surviving Neanderthal Y haplogroups.
Homo sapien females still had standards back then lol, it was definitely the reverse