Final answer:
DNA evidence from Neanderthal remains indicates that they interbred with modern humans, contributing 1 to 4 percent of the genome in populations of European and Middle Eastern descent and up to 2.6 percent for individuals of East Asian descent. Interbreeding has had a lasting impact on human evolution and health, suggesting gene flow among hominins as humans migrated out of Africa. This genetic heritage from Neandertals may influence susceptibility to certain medical conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Interbreeding Between Neandertals and Modern Humans
Recent findings have significantly altered our understanding of human evolution, particularly regarding the relationship between Neandertals and modern humans. DNA evidence extracted from fossilized bones of Neandertals shows that they not only share common ancestors with modern humans but also interbred with them. These genetic studies have revealed that modern European and Middle Eastern populations have between 1 and 4 percent Neanderthal DNA, suggesting that offspring between the two species were not rare occurrences. Furthermore, individuals of East Asian descent have even higher percentages of Neanderthal DNA, with 2.3 to 2.6 percent composition.
The Max Planck Institute made groundbreaking advancements by producing a complete genome from a single Neanderthal toe bone, which provided evidence of inbreeding among Neandertals and mating with Denisovans and an unidentified species, as well as Homo sapiens. This diverse genetic heritage has implications for our understanding of human history and may influence susceptibility to certain medical conditions. The research sheds light on our evolutionary past and suggests substantial levels of gene flow between different hominin groups as modern humans emerged out of Africa and spread across the globe.
While Neanderthals and Homo sapiens have a shared lineage, the extent of their genetic integration is not fully understood. Nonetheless, the discovery that modern humans and Neandertals interbred and produced fertile offspring provides key insights into our ancient forebears and the impact they may have had on our genome and health.