Genetic analysis of a Neanderthal fossil found in France has revealed a previously unknown lineage, representing a remnant of an ancient population that remained isolated for over 50,000 years. This groundbreaking discovery offers new insights into the final phase of the Neanderthal species’ existence.
The fossil, named Thorin, was unearthed in 2015 at the Grotte Mandrin in the Rhône Valley by an archaeologist who discovered teeth among the cave’s soil. Over nine years, a meticulous excavation revealed 31 teeth, a jawbone, part of the skull, and thousands of additional bone fragments, marking a rare find of Neanderthal remains, which are exceedingly uncommon.
Unexpectedly, researchers were able to extract Thorin’s genome from a tooth fragment, despite the challenges of DNA preservation in warmer climates. The analysis indicated that Thorin was male and led to a mystery that required years to unravel.
By comparing Thorin’s genome with other Neanderthals, researchers estimated that he lived around 105,000 years ago. However, archaeological evidence and isotopic analysis indicated that he actually lived no more than 50,000 years ago, categorizing him as a “late Neanderthal” in the species’ last phase.
Team member Tharsika Vimala explained that there was a long-held belief among geneticists that Thorin belonged to an early lineage due to its distantly related genetic markers. Conversely, archaeologists contended that he was a late Neanderthal, leading to extensive collaborative efforts to resolve the discrepancy.
Ultimately, the team concluded that Thorin belonged to an entirely new lineage of Neanderthals living between 42,000 and 50,000 years ago, representing a small group that diverged from the main population around 105,000 years prior, remaining genetically isolated since then.
Thorin’s DNA analysis revealed no signs of interbreeding with the primary Neanderthal population, despite geographical proximity. This complete divergence suggests that isolation may have heightened the group’s vulnerability, as prolonged isolation or inbreeding can severely restrict genetic diversity and adaptability.
Further research led the team to re-examine the genome of another Neanderthal from around 43,000 years ago, uncovering traces of a “ghost population” that indicates previous connections with yet another unknown Neanderthal group. This suggests that late Neanderthal populations may have consisted of at least three distinct groups, challenging prior assumptions of genetic uniformity among them.
Insights from Grotte Mandrin provide fascinating perspectives on late Neanderthal populations and their dynamics, underscoring the importance of ongoing exploration and study in this field.
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