Neanderthals and humans interbred for approximately 7,000 years, according to a recent study.

This extended period of genetic exchange left a lasting mark on the genomes of modern Eurasians, who carry a small percentage of Neanderthal DNA. The study, published in Nature, analyzed ancient and modern human DNA to provide a more precise timeline for interbreeding between Neanderthals and Homo sapiens.

This interbreeding, which began around 50,500 years ago and lasted approximately 7,000 years, left a lasting impact on the genomes of modern Eurasians.

The study examined DNA from 58 ancient human remains found across Eurasia, along with present-day human genomes. This analysis revealed an average date of 47,000 years ago for Neanderthal-Homo sapiens interbreeding, refining previous estimates.

The findings also suggest that the initial migration of modern humans out of Africa into Eurasia was largely complete by 43,500 years ago.

More: https://archaeologyworlds.com/9000-year-old-shaman-burial-bad-durrenberg/