Scientists at the Natural History Museum London and the Catholic University of Leuven conducted a study confirming that Neanderthals and modern humans (Homo sapiens) are separate species.
As Day.Az reports, this discovery, published in the Evolutionary Journal of the Linnean Society, sheds light on the complex process of speciation in human evolutionary history.
The study is based on the analysis of morphological, environmental, genetic and temporal differences between Neanderthals and Homo sapiens. Scientists say that despite their common ancestry, accumulating evidence shows that these populations gradually diverged, acquiring unique characteristics. This process was accompanied by changes in anatomy and adaptation to different environmental conditions, which makes their classification as separate species the most justified.
The researchers analyzed fossil data, archaeological finds and genetic information collected over recent decades. Scientists used a chronological and geographical approach to understand how species differentiated over 400,000 years. This analysis made it possible to identify the key stages of speciation, as well as clarify the connections between the early populations of Homo sapiens and Neanderthals.
The results of the study showed that Neanderthals were better adapted to the cold climate of Eurasia, while Homo sapiens evolved in the warmer conditions of Africa. These differences were reflected in anatomy: Neanderthals had a more massive skeleton, larger internal organs, and increased physical activity necessary for survival. Homo sapiens, on the contrary, had a more graceful physiology, which ensured economical energy consumption and the development of complex technologies.
Additional evidence also indicated differences in the species’ ecological profiles. Neanderthals preferred certain habitats, which limited their ability to adapt to sudden climate changes. Homo sapiens, due to their physiology and technological innovation, were able to cope with more diverse environments, which became an important factor in their survival.
The authors emphasize that speciation is not an instantaneous process, but occurs gradually over a long time. The study provides a theoretical basis for future work aimed at studying human evolutionary history in more detail.