Final answer:
The skeletal trauma observed in Neandertals resembles that found in modern humans during the Upper Paleolithic period, although it appears that Neandertals experienced higher fatality from these injuries. Genetic studies support interbreeding between Neandertals and modern humans, with modern populations showing some Neanderthal DNA.
Step-by-step explanation:
The pattern of skeletal trauma in Neandertals is most similar to that of modern humans during the Upper Paleolithic era. Studies, such as the one by Beier et al. in 2018, have shown a similar prevalence of cranial trauma among both Neandertals and Upper Paleolithic H. sapiens. However, these injuries were less likely to be fatal in modern humans compared to Neandertals. Neandertals were capable hunters and bore skeletal evidence of trauma that suggests hunting was a hazardous activity.
Interesting observations in genetic studies indicate that there was interbreeding between Neandertals and modern humans, which means that modern populations retain some Neanderthal DNA sequences. These findings further our understanding of human evolution and the genetic connections between ancient and modern human species.