Neanderthal DNA in modern Humans?
One of the most fascinating discoveries in human genetics is that most people outside of Africa carry a small amount of Neanderthal DNA. These ancient genes are the result of encounters between early Homo sapiens and Neanderthals, a now-extinct human species, that took place after modern humans left Africa, roughly 60,000 to 70,000 years ago.
But here’s something equally important: modern Africans do not carry significant Neanderthal DNA. That’s because their ancestors never left Africa during the time these interbreeding events occurred. As a result, African populations today have genomes shaped almost entirely by Homo sapiens with no substantial influence from Neanderthals or other archaic humans like Denisovans.
Neanderthal DNA and Skin, Hair Colour
This distinction helps explain certain differences in physical traits, or phenotypes, between African and non-African populations. Many characteristics commonly found outside of Africa such as straighter hair, lighter skin, red hair, and lighter eye colours like blue and green are linked, at least in part, to genes inherited from Neanderthals or other ancient relatives. These traits likely developed in response to different environmental conditions, such as lower sunlight levels in northern regions.
In contrast, traits such as tightly coiled hair and darker skin evolved entirely within Africa over tens of thousands of years. These features were shaped by local climates and environmental pressures. For example, increased eumelanin provided protection against intense Ultraviolet light near the equator. Importantly, these adaptations are not the result of Neanderthal mixing but of Homo sapiens’ own evolutionary journey within Africa.
Africans as the most direct ancestors of early Homo Sapiens
The absence of Neanderthal DNA in modern African populations reflects the genetic integrity and diversity within Africa itself. While Neanderthal genes left their mark on certain traits and immune system functions in other populations, African genomes carry the fullest, most direct legacy of early modern humans. This is of course hugely ironic because for centuries, so-called scientific racism has tried to convince us that Africans are less human than others!
The fact is, Africa is where the most complete living record of human evolution still lives. African people today carry the clearest, most unbroken line to the original Homo sapiens, offering insights into who we are, where we come from, and how diverse — yet connected — we all truly are.
Learn more about the Neanderthal-Human Intermixing
New research provides an updated timeline of human-Neanderthal interactions, revealing patterns in the genetic legacy of this ancient exchange
https://www.rochester.edu/newscenter/interbreeding-human-vs-neanderthal-dna-genes-632262/
Ancient DNA and Neanderthals
https://humanorigins.si.edu/evidence/genetics/ancient-dna-and-neanderthals
Genetic History of Africa
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetic_history_of_Africa
Modern African genomes retain evidence of archaic introgression
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0960982223013155
[…] with our children that people of African descent are the only group today who carry no significant Neanderthal DNA. This is a genetic distinction that speaks to a unique historical continuity. Framing this in a […]
[…] levels and distribution of eumelanin are genetically determined and play a key role in determining a person’s skin, eye, and hair colour. Higher concentrations […]