Neanderthals, emerging around 250,000 years ago, have long fascinated scientists due to their complex genetic history. Recent research, published on 2025-05-28, reveals a single major population bottleneck that reshaped their genetic diversity.
- Neanderthals emerged 250,000 years ago.
- Single major population bottleneck identified.
- Morphological diversity declined later in time.
- Inner ear shapes reveal population trends.
- Neanderthal evolution involved multiple migrations.
- Research continues to clarify Neanderthal history.
This study challenges the traditional view that Neanderthals experienced early genetic declines. Instead, researchers found that morphological diversity was notably high among early Neanderthals, with significant reductions occurring later in their evolution.
What does this mean for our understanding of Neanderthal evolution? The research indicates that early Neanderthals exhibited considerable variation, which diminished over time. This raises questions about environmental pressures and migration patterns that may have influenced their genetic makeup.
- Neanderthals retained high diversity longer than previously believed.
- The decline in diversity aligns with extreme climatic changes in Eurasia.
- Future studies may uncover more about Neanderthal adaptations and interactions.
As scientists continue to explore Neanderthal history, each new discovery brings US closer to unraveling the complexities of our shared ancestry. The ongoing research promises to deepen our understanding of human evolution.
