Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery in France that sheds new light on the evolution and extinction of Neanderthals. The partial skeleton of an adult male, nicknamed Thorin, has been found to belong to a previously unknown line of European Neanderthals that evolved apart from other populations for nearly 50,000 years.
The DNA analysis shows that Thorin’s lineage split from other European Neanderthals around 105,000 years ago and remained genetically distinct until his time, around 42,000 years ago. This suggests that Neanderthals had a more complex evolutionary history than previously thought, with local extinctions and migrations similar to those of modern humans.
Thorin’s DNA also shows an unusually high percentage of identical gene variants, which is often found in small populations where mating among close relatives occurs. This suggests that Thorin’s lineage consisted of small networks of closely related communities that exchanged mates over a period of around 50,000 years.
The discovery of this previously unknown line of Neanderthals provides evidence for the idea that these hominids had their own complex evolutionary history, with local extinctions and migrations. The researchers say that further excavation and research at Grotte Mandrin will be needed to confirm when Thorin lived and to uncover more about his lineage.
The finding also raises questions about why Thorin’s lineage remained isolated from other Neanderthals in the region, possibly due to language or cultural differences. Additionally, it is unclear whether the population size of Thorin’s lineage stayed constant or declined over time, perhaps as communities became more isolated.
Source: https://www.sciencenews.org/article/ancient-dna-unveils-unknown-neandertals