Where Humans and Neanderthals Interbred

Anthropology.net

The interbreeding of Homo sapiens and Neanderthals is a well-established fact, revealing a fascinating chapter in human evolution. While previous studies have focused on when these encounters occurred, recent research has turned its attention to where these interspecies interactions took place. New evidence1 now suggests a specific geographic location where these two species met and interbred: the Zagros Mountains.

Tracing Ancient Interactions: The Role of Geography

Scientists have examined the geographical distribution of Homo sapiens and Neanderthals in Southwest Asia and Southeast Europe during the Late Pleistocene. This research has pinpointed the Zagros Mountains, a significant mountain range on the Persian Plateau, as a key region where these two human species overlapped.

Habitat suitability models of the two Homo species and their potential contact and interbreeding zones in Southwest Asia and Southeast Europe.

The Zagros Mountains stretch across present-day Iran, northern Iraq, and southeastern Turkey. The region's diverse biodiversity and varied topography would have supported large, stable human populations, making it an ideal meeting place. Moreover, during the Pleistocene climatic shifts, the Zagros Mountains acted as a natural corridor, connecting the cooler Palearctic realm with the warmer Afrotropical realm, thus facilitating human migration and interaction.

Archaeological and Genetic Evidence: A Compelling Case

The archaeological record and genetic evidence further support the Zagros Mountains as a critical location for human-Neanderthal interactions. The region is rich in archaeological sites containing remains of both Neanderthals and prehistoric Homo sapiens. One of the most notable sites is the Shanidar Cave in the Kurdistan Region of northern Iraq, which houses the best-preserved Neanderthal skeleton ever found. The site is also famous for the "flower burial," where a Neanderthal skeleton was discovered with plant pollen, sparking debates about the intentional placement of flowers.

During the same period, the Persian Plateau was a crucial hub for Homo sapiens migrating out of Africa. The convergence of these two human species in this region, combined with the archaeological and genetic evidence, suggests that the Zagros Mountains were a significant meeting place where interbreeding occurred.

The Lasting Legacy of Human-Neanderthal Interactions

The interbreeding between Homo sapiens and Neanderthals has left a lasting impact on modern human populations. The discovery of Neanderthal DNA in modern humans, first identified in 2010 with the sequencing of the full Neanderthal genome, revealed that between 1 and 4 percent of the genomes of all non-African humans today derive from Neanderthals. These genetic contributions continue to influence various aspects of our appearance and behavior, including physical traits like larger noses, as well as susceptibility to certain health conditions such as COVID-19 and depression.

Conclusion: A New Chapter in Human Evolutionary History

This research, published in Scientific Reports, provides a deeper understanding of the complex interactions between Homo sapiens and Neanderthals. The identification of the Zagros Mountains as a key location for these interspecies encounters offers new insights into the evolutionary history of our species. As scientists continue to explore the genetic and archaeological evidence, the story of human evolution becomes richer and more intricate, revealing the diverse and interconnected paths that have shaped who we are today.

1

Guran, S. H., Yousefi, M., Kafash, A., & Ghasidian, E. (2024). Reconstructing contact and a potential interbreeding geographical zone between Neanderthals and anatomically modern humans. Scientific Reports, 14(1), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-70206-y