Question

Which of the following is true regarding the DNA relationship between H. neanderthalensis and the modern H. sapiens?

A. Their shared mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) suggest that they could likely interbreed.

B. Their shared mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) supports the theory of gene flow between Africa and Eurasia.

C. Both species share about 1-4% non-African DNA.

D. All of the above.

Answer 1

The correct answer is that modern non-African humans share about 1-4% of Neanderthal DNA, indicating that interbreeding between H. neanderthalensis and H. sapiens did occur. The answer is option C.

Step-by-step explanation:

The DNA relationship between Homo neanderthalensis (Neanderthals) and modern Homo sapiens suggests that interbreeding did occur between these species, as is evidenced by certain genomic similarities. Modern non-African humans share about 1-4% of Neanderthal DNA, which supports the theory that there was gene flow between the two groups. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analyses have provided insights into the evolutionary relationships among different human species but do not directly indicate interbreeding.

Therefore, Option C, which states that both species share about 1-4% non-African DNA, is correct. However, mtDNA alone does not suggest the likelihood of interbreeding (Option A) nor does it support the theory of gene flow specifically between Africa and Eurasia (Option B). Therefore, Option D, which says 'All of the above,' is not true.