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Study Reveals Neanderthals' Genetic Diversity Crisis 110,000 Years Ago

2/26/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A groundbreaking study in *Nature Communications* uncovers that Neanderthals faced a dramatic population bottleneck 110,000 years ago, drastically limiting their genetic diversity. By examining the semicircular canals in their inner ears, researchers discovered a striking decrease in variation in later populations, reshaping our understanding of their evolutionary journey.

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Story summary

A groundbreaking study in *Nature Communications* uncovers that Neanderthals faced a dramatic population bottleneck 110,000 years ago, drastically limiting their genetic diversity. By examining the semicircular canals in their inner ears, researchers discovered a striking decrease in variation in later populations, reshaping our understanding of their evolutionary journey.