[blam]

We are Neanderthals. (assimilation)

[wyattearp]

We are Neanderthals. (assimilation)

I've always wondered about that. If I were to test populations to see if there were any Neandertal genes, I would test in the areas where Neandertals have been found. Narrow that down to areas where whole populations have been fighting and killing each other since before recorded history (the Balkans come to mind).

Then find an area where each side of the conflict feels that the "people in the next valley are different", and then check both populations to see if the really are different.

I don't understand why they test for Neandertal genes in areas where nobody has ever even found one. Doesn't make sense to me.

[frgoff]

Yeah, I buy that premise, too. The two lines simply interbred.

[Termite_Commander]

I think a study was done where scientists examined mitochondria from Neanderthals and compared it to genetic samples from modern humans, and came to the conclusion that it was unlikely that they interbred.

Apparently, there would need to be some Neanderthal genetic material in the genes of people alive today if they had assimilated.

But scientists have been wrong before. Frequently, in fact. Since only one study was done, we'd need more confirmation before we could accept the findings as solid.