Did humans really outbreed Neanderthals? A new mathematical model says yes
New research suggests Neanderthals didn't face a sudden extinction but were gradually absorbed into the growing human population. A mathematical model indicates repeated, small-scale human migrations led to genetic dilution, effectively merging Neanderthal DNA over thousands of years. This demographic shift, rather than conflict, explains their fading identity, with their genes now present in modern humans.
New research suggests Neanderthals didn't face a sudden extinction but were gradually absorbed into the growing human population. A mathematical model indicates repeated, small-scale human migrations led to genetic dilution, effectively merging Neanderthal DNA over thousands of years. This demographic shift, rather than conflict, explains their fading identity, with their genes now present in modern humans.
