QI - How would you spot a Neanderthal on a bus?

"Stephen & his guests discuss the differences between modern humans and the Neanderthals. He informs us that actually 1-4% of our DNA is Neanderthal but it's still a mystery as to why they died out." - YouTube.
rebuildersays...

>> ^raverman:

Do creationists believe in Neanderthals?
If so... how?


A quick googling indicates the Creationist argument regarding neanderthals has traditionally been that they were just regular humans suffering from bone ailments, perphaps caused by malnutrition, lack of vitamin D, etc.

ponceleonsays...

>> ^rebuilder:

>> ^raverman:
Do creationists believe in Neanderthals?
If so... how?

A quick googling indicates the Creationist argument regarding neanderthals has traditionally been that they were just regular humans suffering from bone ailments, perphaps caused by malnutrition, lack of vitamin D, etc.


/facepalm

GeeSussFreeKsays...

>> ^castles:

I've heard things like 'we share 93% of our DNA with slugs' or something like that - so what does it mean that only '1-4% of our DNA is Neanderthal'? Can someone explain?
EDIT:
Here's the kind of stuff I'm talking about..
Mice, men share 99% of genes
Humans related to humble mud worm
Genome Study Finds Rats, Humans Share Stretches of DNA


The difference is hereditary and pair structure. Genetically speaking, many of the chromosome base pairs are nearly identical from animal to animal. Reproductively speaking, there can't be to much variance in the chromosomes for successful mating. A rat can't mate with a human for example. However, other pre-Homo sapiens's and Neanderthal could, and unlike mules, mate and have non-sterile offspring. The 1-4% is direct ancestry. If you were to compare, like that study did with mice, actual base pair similarity, it would rank higher than chimps most likely (99.9999% or something). However, there is a chance that they are more dissimilar than chimps, and through some reproductive fluke, were still able to have virile offspring. The point is, the difference he was highlighting is the direct mating heritage of early man with Neanderthal, much like someone saying they are 4% Indian, even though they are both 100% human.

Tojjasays...

Reproductively speaking, there can't be to much variance in the chromosomes for successful mating. A rat can't mate with a human for example

Although what you say is 100% accurate, I think that chromosomal variance is not the biggest reason that such a union cannot be consumated...

GeeSussFreeKsays...

>> ^Tojja:

Reproductively speaking, there can't be to much variance in the chromosomes for successful mating. A rat can't mate with a human for example
Although what you say is 100% accurate, I think that chromosomal variance is not the biggest reason that such a union cannot be consumated...


Yes, she left me...thanks for bringing up the painful memories!

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