Are you part Neanderthal? Of course we would never consider
ourselves to be part brute but that is what our DNA is telling us. A majority
of us have a few percentage points of Neanderthal DNA within our bodies.
Ironically those things that make us look attractive like hair and teeth are
more closely tied to our ancient ancestors.
Studies in the journal Nature and Science help us think
about human development from the beginning of time until now. It is believed
the Neanderthal was a northern creature while humans came from Africa.
Somewhere along the path they interbred and the Neanderthal died off.
Apparently, the males were not so great at breeding when mixed.
Human development appears to be on a continuum from the past
to some marked point in the future. Each child creates a new genetic destiny
based upon a historical past and develops something unique. As the environment
changes, humans change with it to ensure they able to survive and pass on their
genetic code.
Neanderthals died off due to lack of communication skills
and environmental adjustments. Modern language appears to be one of the most
defining and beneficial aspects of social development. Where Neanderthals could
run around in packs of a half dozen humans can now travel in the thousands.
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/nature12961.html
