News Anthropology

Ancient DNA unveils a previously unknown line of Neandertals

European Neandertals consisted of at least two distinct populations, scientists say

A row of fossilized teeth partly sticking out of dirt and rocks

Neanderthal DNA from a molar from this skeleton suggests that that the population had more than one evolutionary line.

Ludovic Slimak

By Bruce Bower

Neandertals traveled at least two evolutionary paths on their way to extinction around 40,000 years ago, a new study suggests.

Whether classified as a separate species or a variant of Homo sapiens, Neandertals have typically been viewed as a genetically consistent population.