Scientists have determined that modern humans (Homo sapiens) migrated out of Africa several times and then died out in Europe and the Middle East before they could populate the world. New DNA studies indicate that a migration of modern humans left Africa about 48,000 years ago and finally thrived in Europe, because they interbred with Neanderthals. However, that population died out after a few thousand years, and so did the Neanderthals. But their descendants had already moved on to Asia and other parts of the world where they survived. Eventually, these later generations migrated back to Europe.
Along the way, Homo sapiens genes became dominant, with only traces of DNA from Homo neanderthalensis remaining. But that DNA must have been crucial to survival, possibly allowing humans to resist disease. Of course, this theory doesn't say anything about the modern humans who stayed in Africa. Most sub-Saharan Africans don't carry any Neanderthal DNA. But without Neanderthal DNA, humans might even today be restricted to the African homeland. Read more about this discovery in an article from the BBC. -via Damn Interesting
(Image credit: hairymuseummatt/DrMikeBaxter)
Comments (0)
As for tough row to hoe (which is how I've heard it) speaking as someone who has hoed rows in a cornfield, hoeing a road would certainly be absurdly difficult, regardless of why anyone would actually want to do that (ancient greek punishment anyone?).