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Archaeology/DNA analysis of past and present populations

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Expert: - 1/18/2006


Question
Are modern Europeans the direct biological descendents of
Paleolithic inhabitants of Europe?  

Answer
Dear Pete
DNA samples extracted from the Cro-Magnon fossil and other Upper Paleolithic humans are statistically indistinguishable from that of modern Europeans.  There is even a fossil DNA study of an Upper Paleolithic specimen from Cheddar Cave, in the UK, whose nearest living relative is the schoolteacher from Cheddar town.  The role of earlier humans, Neandertals, remains controversial, but such DNA studies of their fossils as have been published suggest significant differences with all living humans and no especially close relationship to living Europeans.
Cheers,
John Shea

Archaeology

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John J. Shea

Expertise

Questions about Old World prehistoric archaeology (mainly Europe, Near East, and Africa during the Paleolithic period/Pleistocene Epoch). IMPORTANT: I do not give advice about colleges. I do not appraise the value of artifacts or fossils.

Experience

University professor of anthropology/archaeology since 1991. Dozens of publications in peer-review anthropology journals. Director of archaeological-paleontological expeditions and excavations in Israel, Jordan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Kenya. See my main profile under Allexperts` "Anthropology" section. Professional website: http://www.sunysb.edu/anthro/staff/jshea.shtml Personal website: http://www.sunysb.edu/anthro/Shea/Shea%20pers%20webpage.htm

Education/Credentials
>20 years as faculty at major research university

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