Final answer:
Around 1-4 percent of the DNA of average Europeans comes from Neanderthals, indicating interbreeding between Homo sapiens and Neanderthals in the past.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question relates to the genetic heritage of average Europeans. Studies show that a segment of European DNA can be traced back to ancient hominins. In particular, most modern-day Europeans and Asians have inherited about 1-4 percent of their DNA from Neanderthals, with Europeans specifically lacking Denisovan ancestry. This genetic contribution is evidence of interbreeding between Homo sapiens and Neanderthals during the Late Pleistocene era. Denisovans and Neanderthals are believed to have evolved from populations of Homo heidelbergensis. Additionally, there are indications of so-called 'ghost populations,' which are unknown archaic hominins that may have interbred with the ancestors of modern humans. These contributions to the genetic makeup of current populations are significant for understanding the complex history of human evolution.