THE LAST OF THEM

The Neandertals


Modelling of a DNA helix
Adapted from KageG

Genes



Over the past twenty years, discoveries in genetics have shifted the hypotheses on the division into "species" of hominins: they have notably demonstrated cross-fertilisation between Neandertals and modern humans.
Genes have also provided information about Neandertals outward appearance: their eye color and hair. At this moment in time, Genes are also the only way to determine the sex of a Neandertal.

Today, our DNA still contains vestiges of these ancient hybridisations from between 100,000 and 40,000 years ago.

Genetics has also made it possible to work on migratory flows of populations. By comparing genomes by regions and by periods, it is possible to retrace some paths and notably, to discover that the last Neandertals of Europe are not the ones who left us their genes.