Analysis of dozens of ancient genomes reveals that close encounters between Neanderthals and humans took place in a narrow time window. The high-resolution analysis also allowed the authors to track when certain Neanderthal DNA sequences appeared in the H. sapiens genome and determine whether they were retained.
- Life's evolution on Earth began with single-celled organisms and evolved into complex life forms through environmental factors and extinction events, culminating in the emergence of mammals and ultimately our own species.
- The article highlights the significance of our species, Homo sapiens, within the grand scheme of things, occurring within the last 300,000 years.
- Despite the limited time our species exists compared to the vastness of cosmic time, it encourages us to consider the potential for future life forms