Neanderthal gene flow traced to single 7,000-year window
Researchers built a catalog of Neanderthal ancestry segments from more than 300 ancient and present-day human genomes covering the past 50,000 years. The vast majority of Neanderthal gene flow came from one extended period between 50,500 and 43,500 years ago. Evidence includes how ancestry correlates across individuals, how Neanderthal segments cluster, and divergence patterns from sequenced Neanderthal genomes. Natural selection--both positive and negative--acted on these introgressed variants soon after the interbreeding occurred.
The findings narrow down when Neanderthals and modern humans interbred and show that selection pressures acted fast on the inherited variants, clarifying how ancient contact shaped human genetic diversity and adaptation.
Written by the Genomes desk from the primary source cited and linked above and checked against it. Research use only; not medical advice. Corrections: [email protected].