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Genetic engineer shares six of your traits that could come from ‘Neanderthal DNA’
A scientist has explained that distinct traits could mean you have the DNA of an ancient human relative known as a Neanderthal.
In both pop culture and insult culture, Neanderthal is a word often associated with terms like undeveloped, primitive and unintelligent. But that just isn’t the case. Its also a common misconception that humans (homo sapiens) evolved from Neanderthals (Homo neanderthalensis). In fact, they most likely shared an ancestor.
What is the difference between humans and Neanderthal?
As written by the Natural History Museum, there is a lot of debate surrounding whether humans and Neanderthal are the same species or just close relatives like humans and other apes. There are, however, distinct differences between us.
While humans are known to have globe-like skulls, ancient cavemen had more long, low skulls and a prominent brow ridge above their eyes. They also had a large, wide nose, and a much more wide and muscular body.
These traits could mean you have Neanderthal in your bloodline
We know that early humans and Neanderthals regularly interbred, leading to a mixed populous that passed down easily detectable traits. Speaking to the Mail Online, Genetic engineer Sebnem Unluisler explained that modern people possess certain characteristics that could be the result of carrying Neanderthal DNA. Some of them are really quite surprising.
He explained: “Studies suggest a link between Neanderthal DNA and nicotine addiction risk. Individuals with Neanderthal ancestry may have a slightly increased likelihood of nicotine dependence.”
Secondly, people with Neanderthal DNA might find that they have slightly thicker or straighter hair. The same can also be said if you have red hair.
The engineer continued to explain: “Neanderthal DNA may influence circadian rhythms and sleep patterns. This may have been influenced by epigenetic factors such as climate, social dynamics and light exposure. People with Neanderthal ancestry may experience variations in their sleep-wake cycles.”
Neanderthals lived in cold weather
Research from University College London found that people with larger noses are more likely to have the DNA. Its believed that larger noses helped Neanderthals to breathe better in colder climates.
Another good indicator could be that you had a particularly difficult time during the COVID-19 pandemic. People with the DNA typically experienced harsher symptoms due to an inherited chromosome region.
Finally, Sebnem Unluisler explained that the ability to tan comes into play, so keep an eye out for friends who have difficulty in getting a summer glow.
“Individuals with Neanderthal ancestry might tend towards lighter or darker skin tones, with some having alleles associated with lighter skin tones that may have provided increased resistance to UV light in regions with lower sunlight intensity, he said.
