Which characteristic differentiates Homo sapiens from Neanderthals in terms of genetic diversity?

Homo sapiens possess a greater level of genetic diversity compared to Neanderthals, primarily due to their longer evolutionary history and the extensive geographic dispersal of the species. As Homo sapiens migrated across continents, they adapted to various environments, leading to a wider range of genetic variations.

In contrast, Neanderthals had a more localized distribution and a smaller population size, which limited their genetic diversity. This smaller gene pool resulted in Neanderthals exhibiting less genetic variation. The genetic bottleneck experienced by Neanderthals, along with their eventual extinction, further contributed to the decreased diversity in their gene pool.

The ability of Homo sapiens to adapt to diverse environments, coupled with their larger historical population size and geographic expansion, underscores the increased genetic diversity present in modern humans compared to Neanderthals. This variation plays a crucial role in the adaptability and survival of a species in changing environments.