Modern humans of European descent have a much higher proportion of Neanderthal DNA than modern humans of African descent. Which one or more of the following statements is/are consistent with this information?
Show Hint
- Following the migration of Neanderthals out of Africa into Europe, modern humans, who were already present in Europe, bred with them
- Following the migration of modern humans out of Africa into Europe, Neanderthals, who were already present in Europe, bred with them
- Modern humans and Neanderthals bred in Africa and then migrated out of Africa into Europe
- Modern humans and Neanderthals did not interbreed
The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Contextualize Human Migration.
Modern humans migrated out of Africa and encountered Neanderthals already present in Europe.
Step 2: Interpret Genetic Evidence.
The higher proportion of Neanderthal DNA in Europeans suggests that interbreeding occurred after modern humans arrived in Europe, where Neanderthals were established, supporting option (B).
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