Genetic analysis of 27 Neanderthal genomes from Belgium reveals high diversity, directly contradicting the long-held belief that inbreeding led to their extinction. This finding, reported by 동아사이언스, reframes the discussion around their disappearance. The observed genetic diversity suggests their demise was not a slow genetic decay, challenging assumptions about their population health.
Many theories attribute Neanderthal decline to widespread inbreeding, but new genomic evidence points to a massive population drop caused by a major ice age. This tension between internal biological weakness and external environmental catastrophe now drives research, suggesting extinction was not due to inbreeding.
Based on this genetic and climatic evidence, environmental pressures, rather than inherent biological weaknesses, appear increasingly likely to have been the decisive factor. Their sudden collapse indicates an overwhelming external force, shifting focus from intrinsic biological flaws.
