Final Answer:
Approximately _2%_ of the modern human genome is contributed by Neanderthals.
Step-by-step explanation:
The contribution of Neanderthal DNA to the modern human genome is estimated to be around _2%_. This calculation is based on genomic studies that compare the DNA of modern humans with that of Neanderthals. The Neanderthal genome has been sequenced, allowing scientists to identify specific genetic markers that are unique to Neanderthals. By comparing these markers with the genomes of modern humans, researchers can estimate the proportion of Neanderthal DNA present in the human population today.
The process involves analyzing the entire human genome and identifying segments that match with Neanderthal DNA. The percentage is then calculated by dividing the total length of Neanderthal-like segments by the length of the entire human genome.
The consensus among scientific studies is that approximately _2%_ of the modern human genome can be traced back to Neanderthals. This interbreeding likely occurred when Homo sapiens migrated out of Africa and encountered Neanderthal populations in Eurasia, leading to gene flow between the two species. The persistence of this Neanderthal legacy in our DNA provides valuable insights into the complex interplay of different hominin species in our evolutionary history.