What evidence suggests interbreeding occurred between Neanderthals and modern humans?

The presence of Neanderthal DNA in non-African populations serves as compelling evidence for interbreeding between Neanderthals and modern humans. Genetic studies have shown that individuals of European and Asian descent carry between 1% to 2% of their DNA from Neanderthals, which indicates that there was some level of mating between the two groups after modern humans migrated out of Africa.

This genetic contribution illustrates that not only did Neanderthals coexist with modern humans, but they also exchanged genes, which has impacted the genetic makeup of contemporary human populations. The presence of this DNA in modern humans is significant because it provides a concrete, scientific basis for understanding the interactions and relationships between these two hominin species. The genetic material is inherited from Neanderthal ancestors, reinforcing the idea of shared lineage and interbreeding events in our evolutionary history.

The other answers, while related to the study of Neanderthals, do not directly provide evidence for interbreeding in the same conclusive manner. Fossil similarities might suggest a close relationship but do not confirm interbreeding. Artifacts found exclusively in Neanderthal sites may reflect cultural similarities rather than genetic exchange. Distinct physical features among modern humans could be influenced by various environmental