Neanderthals - Study Guide
Overview, Important Facts, Archaeological Sites, and Study Questions
by K. Kris Hirst
Updated February 09, 2017
An Overview of Neanderthals
Neanderthals were a type of early hominid that lived on the planet earth between about 200,000 to 30,000 years ago. Our immediate ancestor, 'Anatomically Modern Human" has been in evidence for roughly 130,000 years ago. In some places, Neanderthals co-existed with modern humans for about 10,000 years, and it is possible (although much debated) that the two species may have interbred.
Recent mitochondrial DNA studies at the site of Feldhofer Cave suggest that Neanderthals and Humans had a common ancestor about 550,000 years ago, but are not otherwise related; nuclear DNA on a bone from Vindija Cave supports this supposition although the time depth is still in question. However, the Neanderthal Genome Project appears to have settled the issue, by uncovering evidence that some modern humans hold a tiny percentage (1-4%) of Neanderthal genes.
Neanderthals and Humans Likely Bred
https://www.thoughtco.com/neanderthals-study-guide-171212
