Scientists have long understood that even though Neanderthals technically went extinct around 40,000 years ago, they live on today in human DNA. In fact, up to 2% of the DNA in every living person came from our Neanderthal ancestors.
After extensive research, scientists have confirmed that Neanderthal DNA does affect our bodies and even our minds. Here are the eight tell-tale signs that you have at least some Neanderthal DNA in your genes.
What’s the Difference Between Neanderthals and Humans?
Before we dive into the eight signs that you have Neanderthal DNA, it’s crucial to understand why Neanderthal and human genetics are different. Neanderthals were an entirely different species from modern humans or Homo sapiens.
While some Neanderthals did live alongside the first Homo sapiens, and they are considered our closest relatives, Neanderthals had distinctly different facial features, body types, diet, and even behavior.
Early Humans Did Mate With Neanderthals
Even though they looked and even acted differently, technically, Neanderthals and the first humans were similar enough to mate, and scientific research has proven that the two species did, in fact, reproduce between 47,000 and 65,000 years ago.
This interspecies mating allowed Neanderthal DNA to enter the human gene pool, and although the percentage has certainly decreased over the tens of thousands of years since their extinction, it is still present in many humans today.
Nicotine Addiction Is a Sign of Neanderthal DNA
The first sign that you likely have Neanderthal DNA in your genes is if you are a smoker or find yourself easily addicted to nicotine.
This tell-tale sign is quite surprising since Neanderthals lived some 40,000 years before tobacco was introduced in Europe, but it has been scientifically proven.
People With Depression Are More Likely to Have Neanderthal DNA
Research also found that those humans with Neanderthal DNA were far more likely to experience depression than those with no or little Neanderthal DNA.
They also noted that other psychiatric and neurological conditions, such as schizophrenia, were more commonly reported in modern-day humans with Neanderthal DNA.
Neanderthal DNA Produces Thick, Straight Hair
Genetic engineer Sebnem Unluisler said that he and his colleagues noticed “Neanderthal DNA has been linked to variations in hair characteristics.”
Specifically, he said, “Some people with Neanderthal ancestry may have slightly thicker or straighter hair.”
People With Red Hair Likely Have Neanderthal DNA
Additionally, Unluisler said that people with red hair are far more likely to contain a significant amount of Neanderthal DNA.
Extensive research has been conducted to determine whether all or at least most Neanderthals had red hair. While they have yet to ultimately prove that theory, they know that some of our ancient ancestors had red hair, pale skin, and blue eyes.
Pale Skin May Mean You Have Neanderthal DNA
Scientists have also reported that humans who are quite pale, struggle to get a tan, and are prone to burning have more Neanderthal DNA than those who bronze easily in the sun.
Unsluisler said, “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.”
Big, Tall Noses Are a Sign of Neanderthal DNA
A study conducted at the University College London found that big, tall noses often indicate Neanderthal DNA. They noted that a genome, ATF3, had genetic material inherited from Neanderthals, and that genome led to larger noses in today’s humans.
The researchers speculate that longer noses would have helped Neanderthals handle the colder air in the north as they migrated from Africa.
Your Sleep Schedule Could Indicate Whether You Have Neanderthal DNA
Another study coordinated by researchers at Vanderbilt University found that early risers were far more likely to have Neanderthal DNA in their genetic makeup than those subjects who preferred to sleep in.
Unluisler explained, “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.”
Neanderthal DNA Intensifies COVID-19 Symptoms
A study conducted during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic noticed that those people with Neanderthal genes were more susceptible to the new virus.
Over time, the researchers also found that those with Neanderthal DNA were more likely to experience extreme symptoms, such as respiratory problems, after contracting COVID-19.
Neanderthal DNA Will Continue to Affect Humans for Generations to Come
Even though Neanderthals are long gone, their DNA will continue to affect humans for generations to come. While technically, having Neanderthal DNA is neither bad nor good, it is something to pay attention to.
For those curious, there are a plethora of tests available to find out if you have none, some, or a significant amount of Neanderthal DNA in your body. While it won’t necessarily change your life, knowing this information could help you understand your body and brain at least a little more.
