Are Neanderthals and modern humans related? | Natural History Museum

What is the relationship between the Neanderthals and us? Neanderthals were very widespread in Europe until about 60,000 years ago and this is the time when modern humans, Homo sapiens, are thought to have started migrating out of Africa. Chris Stringer, the Museum's Human Origins expert, tells us how recent genetic discoveries have altered our understanding of the overlap of several thousands of years between the two species.

----------------
The Natural History Museum in London is home to over 80 million specimens, including meteorites, dinosaur bones and a giant squid. Our channel brings the Museum to you - from what goes on behind the scenes to surprising science and stories from our scientists.

[markhart]

Back in the 80's and 90's I argued with my friend that despite current knowledge I insisted that Neanderthal genes survived in us.. modern science confirmed my hunch..I am 2.8 % DNA Neanderthal.. Funny stuff..

[inessamaria]

More I study, more I know that I must keep study. So many great things to learn.

[annewandering]

My married into the family uncle had a ridge just exactly like that. It was very prominent. I always wondered where it came from.

[dichebach]

Keep on Truckin' Professor Stringer!

[waterhead]

I read recently that scientists think baldness comes from Neanderthal DNA.

[jodiehighroller]

They were smart to know the needed to interbreed

[NaturalHistoryMuseum]

For a taste of what to expect, watch our film featuring Chris Stringer.

[maryshaffer]

DNA is only beginning. There's more to learn.

[vestanorman]

I have Neanderthal DNA when I got mine tested. 4%

[mojojeinxs]

Everything on earth came from star dust.

[timothyjones]

The Neanderthals look like Lee Marvin and Jack Palance. Modern film seems to be a reenactment of Homo Sapien good guys verses Neanderthal bad guys. I know it's just casting, but who knows what genetic imperatives we express through our arts with our evolutionary heritage?

[marksumbler]

I ask, is it possible that Neanderthal DNA and ASD have a link?

[coinsmith]

I am 4.6% Neanderthal, and proud of it!

[robwalsh]

Neanderthals were humans. So were Denisovans, Erectus and the little people of Flores.
There were once many human species, now we are the only ones who remain.

[juttamaier]

Now there is an interesting thought. Immunesystem and certain deseases that predominantly occur in caucasians.

[ivanbarbosa]

what if we walked side by side with neanderthals or some hybrid of sapiens and neanderthal and at a certain point their genes just got left behind around 28000 yrs ago? maybe we werent there living separate lives.

[johncanfield]

While obviously filmed with a strong evolutionary bias ('500K years', etc.), this video is very interesting in the extent it admits of the interbreeding of Homo Sapiens with Neanderthals.

[AB-wmhp]

Hmmmm, what type of diseases, is it a breeding disease?

[JuanHernandez-bdun]

Could Neanderthal be the result of interbreeding between apes and homosapiens?

[fjkinnit]

Only those with Neanderthal genes can be described as "Modern Humans" we inherited their ability to adapt to the colder climate, like the “ superathlete” gene that helps Sherpas and other Tibetans breathe easy at high altitudes was inherited from denisovians.