Princeton study maps 200,000 years of Human–Neanderthal interbreeding

While I’m enjoying all the new information on neanderthals breeding with other hominids, I’m a bit skeptical at the “not extinct, absorbed” framing that seems to be emerging as a preferred narrative. To me it seems like Neanderthals are just as extinct as Denisovans (for example). Both are genetic relatives to modern humans but both are extinct. I suppose it’s a debate without a satisfactory answer though as species are ultimately delineated somewhat arbitrarily.

These revelations suggest that Neanderthals never truly disappeared — they were absorbed. Their legacy lives on in our DNA, reshaping our understanding of what it means to be human.

Homo Sapiens really are the Borgs. Resistance is futile.