Kissing Cousins - Neanderthal and Homo Sapiens

The common view is that Homo Sapiens drove the Neandethals into extinction. 

Some even believe that mythology about dwarves and troglodytes living in 'the mountains' represent a folk-memory of our last encounters with the dwindling Neanderthal species. 

Neanderthals were discovered in the 19th century through a series of fossil findings in Europe, notably the Neander Valley in Germany. These ancient hominids revealed a distinct human-like species that existed before Homo sapiens.

Human males are attracted to traits indicating health, fertility, and youth, such as symmetrical features, clear skin, and a waist-to-hip ratio of about 0.7. Neanderthal females could have possessed similar indicators of health and fertility, making them attractive to Homo sapiens males. This could have facilitated interbreeding between the two species, leading to genetic exchange and hybridization.

Spain has yielded significant evidence of Neanderthal presence. Notable sites include the Atapuerca Mountains, where fossils and tools have been found. The Sima de los Huesos cave contains a large collection of Neanderthal remains. Additionally, sites like El Sidrón in Asturias have provided insights into Neanderthal diet and behavior through the analysis of dental plaque. These discoveries contribute to our understanding of Neanderthal life in the Iberian Peninsula.

Genetic evidence suggests that Neanderthals and early humans interbred when they coexisted in Europe and Asia around 50,000 years ago. Studies show that modern humans of non-African descent carry Neanderthal DNA, indicating some level of interbreeding. This hybridization contributed to the genetic diversity of Homo sapiens, but the extent and nature of these interactions remain subjects of ongoing research and debate among scientists.

There is a hypothesis that red hair could be a Neanderthal trait. Some genetic studies have identified a specific gene variant associated with red hair in Neanderthal DNA. However, this connection is still being explored, and more research is needed to conclusively link red hair to Neanderthals as other factors could also be involved in the development of this trait.

The anatomical similarities between Homo sapiens and Neanderthals, such as similar skeletal structures and body proportions, suggest that interbreeding was feasible. These shared characteristics indicate compatibility and potential for successful reproduction between the two species.