In 1829, human-like fossils were discovered in Germany in the Neander Valley. These fossils are now referred to as the remains of the Neanderthals (Institution, 2017). After this discovery, Neanderthals have since been recognized to be the closest relative of the Modern Human. Neanderthals have been traced back to have lived in Europe and South-Western and Central Asia approximately 400,000 years ago until their extinction 360,000 years later (Institution, 2017). The bone structure of Neanderthals meticulously resembles those of Modern Humans. Both Neanderthals and Modern Humans have prominent cheek and brow bones, evidence of receding a hairline and an oval shaped skull. Neanderthals were proven to be slightly smaller with males averaging a height of 165cm and females averaging a height of 155cm. Even though Neanderthals were smaller their features and weight were proportioned, like Modern Humans (Institution, 2017). Modern Human mannerisms have been discovered to be practiced by the Neanderthals centuries before the existence of Modern Humans, including premature housing, clothing, variety of diet which consisted of plants and meat which were skillfully hunted, use of tools, controlled fire and environments (Institution, 2017). There has also been some evidence to prove that Neanderthals would bury their deceased in a somewhat funeral-like ceremony that would include symbolic objects. It has been understood that Neanderthals were the first Homo species to conduct such respectable and civilized behavior (Institution, 2017).
Recently, scientists have made statements concluding that Neanderthal genes have been identified in Modern Human DNA. Dr. David Reich and his colleagues from Harvard Medical School have analyzed and compared genetic variants between several Modern Humans and a 50,000 year-old Neanderthal (Staff, Scientists identify Neanderthal Genes in Modern Human DNA, 2014). Dr. Reich and his colleagues proved that although Neanderthals have been extinct for nearly 40,000 years, it was clear that through occasional mating with Modern Humans, DNA was left behind and is now present in humans today (Staff, 2013). Out of the thousands of human genomes scientists have predicted that 1.5 and 2.1 percent have derived from Neanderthal descent in Modern Non-African Humans (Staff, 2013). Modern Humans have over 80 individual genes that have not been traced from Neanderthals, therefore, theories of more civilized behaviors in Modern Humans can define the two species as separate (Staff, 2013). The results of the two species interbreeding was that some new traits were evolved into the human genome while some were rejected (Staff, Scientists identify Neanderthal Genes in Modern Human DNA, 2014). This is thought to be the leading cause of risks of diseases in Modern Humans such as keratin production, Lupus, Crohn’s Disease, Type 2 diabetes and behavioral problems (Staff, Scientists identify Neanderthal Genes in Modern Human DNA, 2014). Traits that support the human body are those that include skin, hair and nails which become thicker from a result of excessive keratin production from the Neanderthal DNA present in offspring (Staff, Scientists identify Neanderthal Genes in Modern Human DNA, 2014). This keratin production benefits Homo species adapt to environments with tough conditions.
Even though Modern Humans and Neanderthals resemble greatly of each other, they are still separate species that have previously mated to assist the evolution of the Modern Human. Genetic similarities have cause confusion on whether Modern Humans have evolved from Neanderthals, however, evidence has supported the theory that Modern Humans and Neanderthals have occasionally procreated to produce offspring. It is understood that Modern Humans have Neanderthal DNA in their genetic code, however, Modern Humans are somewhat closely related to Neanderthals but have not evolved entirely from Neanderthals as they have become extinct. Separate species are able to interbreed to create offspring even though some species cannot produce fertile offspring. However, Neanderthals and Modern Humans were able to produce fertile offspring. Studies have exposed the genetic similarities between Neanderthals and Modern Humans which supports the theory that Modern Humans have evolved from Neanderthals or Modern Humans have evolved with Neanderthal interbreeding and heritage. Modern Humans can now interbreed with each other as they are the same species; Homo Sapiens. The future implications for the use of these DNA techniques are providing a new path for paleo genomic studies, therefore opening new areas of study to investigate history of biological diversity, comparing human functions, DNA sequences and traits that effects and cause risk of diseases, human evolution and furthermore creating new jobs and opportunities in the paleo genomic field (Lalueza-Fox, Gilbert, & Thomas, 2011).