Overview
- The peer-reviewed analysis in Science compares multiple Neanderthal genomes with present-day African and non-African human genomes.
- Researchers report far less Neanderthal DNA on the human X chromosome alongside a pronounced surplus of human ancestry on Neanderthal X chromosomes.
- Quantified results show about a 62% excess of modern human ancestry on Neanderthal X chromosomes relative to the reverse pattern in humans.
- Population genetic modeling finds that a simple sex-biased mating pattern explains the asymmetry more plausibly than demographic movement scenarios alone.
- Independent experts note that selection or differences in hybrid viability could also contribute and urge more ancient genomes and broader regional sampling.