Question

It has long been supposed that Neanderthal humans were replaced by modern humans. Most anthropologists thought that the two groups did not have contact or interbreed. However, a recent archaeological dig found Neanderthal artifacts and modern human artifacts mixed together, indicating that there was some contact between the two. The archaeologists leading this dig have published a new article asserting that, in fact, Neanderthals and modern humans did live side by side and interbred. Which of the following evidence would provide the strongest support for the archaeologists' claim?

• A. Carbon dating of the artifacts that reveals they are the same age.
• B. Burials in which there are Neanderthal and modern human bones.
• C. DNA analysis of bones that indicates the presence of Neanderthal and modern human DNA in the same individual.
• D. Cave paintings that depict Neanderthals and modern humans.
• E. Modern human villages built directly on top of Neanderthal villages.

Hint:

Look for evidence that directly supports the central claim. In this case, DNA analysis provides the most direct proof of interbreeding.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the argument.
The archaeologists claim that Neanderthals and modern humans lived side by side and interbred. The strongest evidence for this would be finding DNA from both groups in the same individual, as it would directly show evidence of interbreeding.

Step 2: Analysis of options.
- (A) Carbon dating of the artifacts that reveals they are the same age: Incorrect. While this might suggest the groups were contemporaneous, it does not provide direct evidence of contact or interbreeding.
- (B) Burials in which there are Neanderthal and modern human bones: Incorrect. While this shows both groups lived at the same time, it does not directly prove that they interbred.
- (C) DNA analysis of bones that indicates the presence of Neanderthal and modern human DNA in the same individual: Correct. This would provide direct evidence of interbreeding between the two groups.
- (D) Cave paintings that depict Neanderthals and modern humans: Incorrect. While this may suggest some form of coexistence, it does not provide direct evidence of interbreeding.
- (E) Modern human villages built directly on top of Neanderthal villages: Incorrect. This might show coexistence but does not directly prove interbreeding.

Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (C) DNA analysis of bones that indicates the presence of Neanderthal and modern human DNA in the same individual.

Final Answer: \[ \boxed{(C) \, \text{DNA analysis of bones that indicates the presence of Neanderthal and modern human DNA in the same individual.}} \]