55,000-Year-Old Neanderthal Fetus Reveals Population Decline
Why this is here: The fetus’s DNA revealed it belonged to a genetically older Neanderthal lineage, helping pinpoint a period of population decline around 65,000 years ago—a previously suspected event.
Scientists analyzed DNA from a 55,000-year-old Neanderthal fetus discovered in Germany. The remains, including a thighbone, shinbone, skull, and ribs, were initially found between 1968 and 1970. Researchers recently extracted mitochondrial DNA from the limited bone material available, as teeth were missing.
The analysis revealed the fetus belonged to an older genetic lineage of Neanderthals. This indicates a significant population decline around 65,000 years ago and a loss of genetic diversity within the species. Later Neanderthals showed reduced genetic variation, suggesting a small founding population.
Climate change and altered living conditions likely contributed to the Neanderthals’ extinction. Evidence suggests they retreated to warmer areas during the last ice age. Interbreeding with Homo sapiens also occurred, leaving traces in modern human DNA.