Expert: Ralph Salier - 2/27/2007

Question
I was thinking about Neanderthals and early Man, and had an idea regarding the transition from Homo Neanderthalensis to Homo Sapiens populations. I related theories I had heard before, about various conflict between the two groups eventually resulting in the "dying out" of Neanderthal Man, to the only similar historical occurrence that came to mind- that of Native Americans. That led me to consider whether perhaps Neanderthal Man didn't "die out", but rather as the more successful Modern Man moved into the territory, it's genome spread more rapidly, effectively "wiping out" prominent traits in the Neanderthal race, as they were diluted into the much larger Homo Sapiens population, the least prosperous traits being lost entirely- specific traits  that also define the biggest genetic differences between Homo Neanderthalensis and Modern Man, thus potentially forming a fossil record that may support a theory of the general extinction of one group of species and by the appearance of another, should there not be enough fossil evidence to suggest otherwise.
I am only a High School student and do not study Anthropology, so I'm sure if this theory does make any sense it's been thought of and dealt with already.
But, I'm not quite sure I did make sense. I apologize if not. But, could you please offer your expert opinion?

Sincerely,
Wade

Answer
Hi Wade,  

There is little evidence, genetic or other wise which would indicate any kind of interbreeding of these ancestors.  There is perhaps a few exceptions, one recently found in Spain where they found  the remains of a very small group of Neanderthals which have some Sapien traits.  They are trying to get some DNA from these bones but the chances are rather marginal.

More probable is that the Neanderthal was very well adapted to the climate of Europe during the ice ages but once things began to heat up, they were not well suited to the climatic changes.  Along with this is the change in the fauna and flora which meant that they slowly lost context to the environment they were accustumed to.  The last of the Neanderthals died out some 20 to 30 thousand years ago with the last populations finding refuge in the Iberian Penninsula (Spain, Portugal),  These last remaining groups were probably heavily interbread and were nolonger viable populations.  As it was I don't believe that they were overly successful in maintaining a strong population.  Perhaps  their birth rates were low and if a group lost its females due to illness, the group was doomed.  

Modern man is more highly adaptable then Neanderthal and even with the Ice Ages at their height, were able to move into Europe and Asia with a high degree of success.  It may have been the nature of these early moderns to be more cooperative and less territorial too.  This could have made a big difference.

I'd like to encourage you to keep thinking, theorizing and asking questions.  That is how we learn and discover.  In anthropology, there are no dumb questions but there is pleanty to learn and explore.  Keep up the good work.

Ralph