In 2010, researchers published the genome of Homo neanderthalensis, a species known as Neanderthal man. The study found that Neanderthals and modern humans (Homo sapiens) shared DNA, specifically non-African stretches, suggesting past interbreeding outside Africa. This is not surprising, given that Neanderthals were Eurasian while Homo sapiens originated in Africa.
The discovery helps clarify a long-standing question: how did people leave Africa? The details remain unclear, but it’s now understood that any interbreeding between the two species occurred after Homo sapiens left their homeland. Researchers continue to study this topic, shedding light on human migration and evolution.
Source: https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/2024/12/12/humans-and-neanderthals-met-often-but-only-one-event-matters