Final answer:
The cultural relationship between Neanderthals and modern humans is shown through DNA evidence of interbreeding and archaeological discoveries. Both Neanderthals and modern humans evolved from Homo heidelbergensis. Genetic research has revealed similarities in various traits between Neanderthals and modern humans.
Step-by-step explanation:
The cultural relationship between Neanderthals and modern humans can be understood through the archaeological record. DNA evidence has shown that interbreeding between Homo sapiens and Neanderthals was quite common, with modern European and Middle Eastern populations having between 1 and 4 percent Neanderthal DNA. Archaeologists have also discovered that some species, like Neanderthals and Denisovans, evolved from populations of Homo heidelbergensis. Furthermore, genetic research has revealed similarities in cranial structure, metabolism, skin morphology, and cognitive development between Neanderthals and modern humans.