Question

What evidence supports the claim that Neanderthals and Homo sapiens may have mated?

a. DNA evidence indicating interbreeding
b. Artifacts found in Neanderthal caves
c. Fossilized footprints showing joint migration
d. Written records of mating rituals

Answer 1

The evidence that supports the claim of Neanderthal and Homo sapiens interbreeding includes DNA evidence, Denisovan ancestry, and the presence of Neanderthal DNA in modern humans.

Step-by-step explanation:

The evidence that supports the claim that Neanderthals and Homo sapiens may have mated includes:

1. DNA evidence: Genetic analysis comparing Neanderthal DNA with modern human DNA has revealed similarities, suggesting interbreeding between the two species.
2. Denisovan ancestry: DNA evidence from a bone found in Siberia indicates that a girl had a Neanderthal mother and a Denisovan father, providing further evidence of interbreeding.
3. Presence of Neanderthal DNA in modern humans: Modern European and Middle Eastern populations have 1 to 4 percent Neanderthal DNA, indicating interbreeding was common.