Human evolution was shaped by interbreedng
After modern humans first left Africa, they came into contact with Neanderthals and things got cosy. These early frolics are now visible in our DNA. Genetic analysis indicates that Europeans and Asians obtained 1-4% of their DNA from Neanderthals.
It seems everyone was at it. Neanderthals interbred with another species, the Denisovans, as did some of us. Some people from South East Asia have up to 6% Denisovan DNA.
Even Africans whose ancestors never left the continent carry some Neanderthal DNA, because 3000 years ago people from Europe and Asia migrated to Africa. Many modern Africans have inherited some genes, including some Neanderthal ones, from these people.
Now some scientists are going even further. They propose that our entire species is the product of hybridisation between species, and that we owe much of our success to this very fact. More.
The story goes on to talk of hybrid corals and bears …
But wait: What good reason is there to believe that all these human groups were separate species? The claims are not defended; simply stated.
Claims about superior adaptability due to “hybridisation” could be duplicated in the modern world among ethnicities that are certainly not thought to be separate species.
The whole concept of “species,” especially where recent and modern humans are concerned, seems in need of an overhaul. But don’t expect the demand to come from Tax TV’s pop Darwinism division.
See also: The Little Lady of Flores spoke from the grave. But said what, exactly?
Neanderthal Man: The long-lost relative turns up again, this time with documents
and A deep and abiding need for Neanderthals to be stupid. Why?
Also: What we know about human evolution