The Gene Regulation Differences that (Possibly) Made us Human
A new study looks at differences in gene regulation between our modern selves and extinct species of humans
The other humans
Once upon a time, multiple species of humans roamed the earth. For substantial chunks of our evolutionary history, we shared the planet with close cousins.
Until roughly 40,000 years ago (although that’s up for debate), Neanderthals inhabited parts of Europe and Southwest Asia. The exact reason for their demise remains a mystery. It was likely been a combination of factors: changing climate, disease, competition with their sister species (us)…
Our blocky, heavy-boned Paleolithic Neanderthal peeps (species to some, subspecies for others, so Homo neanderthalensis or Homo sapiens neanderthalensis) were more intelligent and culturally refined than the cartoon depictions we’re used to. Once considered as rough, grunting cave people, their reputation has been cleaned up significantly by recent findings.
They are now known to be strategically adaptable hunters, pretty decent cooks, skilled jewelers, (contested) musicians, toolmakers, fire starters, healthcare providers, and so on.
