Final Answer;
The majority of humans, excluding modern ethnic groups in sub-Saharan Africa, carry traces of Neanderthal DNA in their genome.
Step-by-step explanation:
Neanderthals, an ancient human species, interbred with Homo sapiens before becoming extinct around 40,000 years ago. Genetic studies reveal that non-African populations share approximately 1-2% of their DNA with Neanderthals, suggesting interbreeding between the two species. Sub-Saharan African populations, however, lack these Neanderthal genetic markers.
This absence is likely due to geographical and historical factors, such as the fact that Neanderthals and Homo sapiens coexisted primarily outside of Africa. The interbreeding occurred as Homo sapiens migrated and settled in regions outside of Africa, leading to the integration of Neanderthal DNA into the genomes of non-African populations.
The presence of Neanderthal DNA in non-African populations highlights the complex interplay between different human species throughout history. The shared genetic heritage is a testament to the dynamic nature of human evolution and migration.
While the Neanderthals themselves did not survive, fragments of their genetic legacy persist in the DNA of many contemporary humans, providing valuable insights into our shared ancestry and the evolutionary processes that shaped the modern human genome. The absence of Neanderthal DNA in sub-Saharan African populations serves as a notable exception, shedding light on the distinct evolutionary paths taken by different human populations across the globe.