Genetic study reveals population turnover among late Neanderthals in Europe

Researchers from the University of Tübingen and the Senckenberg Nature Research Society have reconstructed population changes among late Neanderthals in Europe. The study, led by Charoula Fotiadou, involved the analysis of mitochondrial DNA from ten bone and tooth samples found across Belgium, France, Germany, and Serbia. These samples date from between 110,000 and 42,000 years ago. By comparing this new genetic material with 49 previously published samples, the team created a phylogenetic tree to trace maternal lineages. The findings indicate that nearly all late Neanderthals in Europe originated from a single population. The study utilized mitochondrial DNA due to its high copy number and durability in ancient specimens. This research provides new insights into the evolutionary history and disappearance of the Neanderthal population in Europe. The team combined these genetic findings with archaeological data to form their conclusions.