The Neandertal EnigmaFrayer's own reading of the record reveals a number of overlooked traits that clearly and specifically link the Neandertals to the Cro-Magnons. One such trait is the shape of the opening of the nerve canal in the lower jaw, a spot where dentists often give a pain-blocking injection. In many Neandertal, the upper portion of the opening is covered by a broad bony ridge, a curious feature also carried by a significant number of Cro-Magnons. But none of the alleged 'ancestors of us all' fossils from Africa have it, and it is extremely rare in modern people outside Europe." [pp 126-127]
by James Shreeve
so do i have to ask a dentist to find out if i am neandertal, or is my red hair proof enough?
"One such trait is the shape of the opening of the nerve canal in the lower jaw, a spot where dentists often give a pain-blocking injection."
Does this explain why I had to have a third novacaine injection in the middle of my root canal last week?
I am going to see my dad, a retired dentist, next week. I would be happy to ask him about strangely shaped openings in for nerve blocks -- but have no idea how to describe what is being discussed.
As for Cro-Magnons -- based on genographic stuff I have been reading, perhaps 70% of Europeans, and as many as 90% of Western Europeans, including both my dad's family and my husband's dad's family, are descended from Cro-Magnons.
Atlantic Modal Haplotype, to be precise. Also, so far, the vast majority of men who have had their y-chromosome DNA tested are in this subclade -- which may simply reflect the fact that it is "generic white guy" DNA.