Neanderthals and humans likely intermingled and intermingled during a narrow period of time 45,000 years ago, scientists reported Thursday.
The researchers analyzed the ancient genes to pinpoint the time period, which is slightly more recent than previous estimates for the mating.
Modern humans appeared in Africa hundreds of thousands of years ago and eventually spread to Europe, Asia and beyond. Somewhere along the way, they met and mated with Neanderthals, leaving a lasting fingerprint on our genetic code.
Scientists don’t know exactly when or how the two groups got mixed up. But ancient bone fragments and genes are helping scientists figure it out.
“The genetic data from these samples really helps us paint a picture in more detail,” said study co-author Priya Moorjani at the University of California, Berkeley.
The research was published Thursday in the journals Science and Nature.
To determine the timeline, the researchers looked at some of the oldest human genes from the skull of a woman named Zlatý kůň or Golden Horse for a hill in the Czech Republic where it was found. They also examined bone fragments from an early human population in Ranis, Germany, about 140 miles (230 kilometers) away. They found pieces of Neanderthal DNA that dated back to about 45,000 years ago.
In a separate study, researchers traced Neanderthal traits in our genetic code over 50,000 years. They found Neanderthal genes related to immunity and metabolism that may have helped early humans survive and thrive outside of Africa.
We still carry the Neanderthal heritage in our DNA. Modern-day genetic traits related to skin color, hair color, and even nose shape can be traced back to our extinct neighbors. And our genetic code also contains echoes from another group of extinct human cousins called the Denisovans.
Future genetic studies could help scientists sort out exactly what — and who — we’re made of, said Rick Potts, director of the Smithsonian’s Human Origins program who was not involved in the new research.
“Of the many really compelling areas of scientific inquiry, one of them is: well, who are we?” said Potts.
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