Final answer:
The Neanderthal genome analysis suggests that early humans interbred with Neanderthals, and modern humans have Neanderthal DNA, indicating a shared genetic history and interbreeding events.
Step-by-step explanation:
Analysis of the Neanderthal genome indicates that early humans and Neanderthals did indeed interbreed. This conclusion is supported by the presence of Neanderthal DNA in modern human populations, particularly those outside of Africa. Richard E. Green and his colleagues found that modern humans share about 2 to 3 percent more genetic similarities with Neanderthals than do people in Africa, suggesting that some interbreeding occurred as modern humans migrated out of Africa. Neanderthal genomic evidence also points to interbreeding with Denisovans and the possibility that Neanderthals were absorbed into modern human populations rather than being completely replaced.
Further, studies indicate that Neanderthals are equally related to people from various regions, such as Papua New Guinea and East Asia, even though Neanderthal fossils have primarily been found in Europe and West Asia. Additionally, DNA analysis provides insight into the interbreeding between Denisovans, Neanderthals, and modern humans, suggesting a complex history of genetic exchange among these groups.