Question

Some scientists suggest that the Neandertals and modern humans interbred during the few thousand years that they overlapped in Europe and western Asia. Identify the evidence that supports this theory.

Evidence That Supports the Theory:
Not Evidence That Supports the Theory:

- Neandertal and human nuclear DNA sequences
- anatomical characteristics
- ability of Neandertals and humans to speak
- Neandertal and human mitochondrial DNA sequences

Answer 1

The theory that Neanderthals and modern humans interbred is supported by evidence such as the comparison of DNA sequences, which showed similarities between Neanderthals and modern humans. Genetic studies have also shown that modern populations have Neanderthal DNA. Anatomical characteristics and evolutionary relationships further support the possibility of interbreeding.

Step-by-step explanation:

Evidence that supports the theory of interbreeding between Neanderthals and modern humans includes the analysis of DNA from Neanderthal bones and comparing it to modern human DNA, which revealed similarities. Additionally, genetic studies have shown that modern European and Middle Eastern populations have between 1 and 4 percent Neanderthal DNA. Anatomical characteristics and the evolutionary relation between Neanderthals and modern humans also suggest the possibility of interbreeding. However, the ability to speak is not considered evidence for interbreeding, and Neanderthal and human mitochondrial DNA sequences do not provide conclusive evidence for interbreeding.