Do genetic differences disprove that Neandertals and modern humans interbred?
by Michael Oard 18 June 2003 New research results comparing the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) have shown substantial divergence between Neandertals and modern humans, including the Cro-Magnons of ice age Europe.1–3 (Mitochondrial DNA, which is not the same as that carried on the chromosomes (nuclear DNA), is generally inherited unchanged from the mother. Evolutionists believe that the more differences between the mtDNA of two organisms, the longer ago their ancestors branched off from a common ancestor.) The large differences have been taken as evidence that Neandertals were a different ‘species’ from humans. However, even some evolutionary scientists are more cautious in their conclusions of the new mtDNA genetic results. Mark Stoneking, a supporter of the mitochondrial Eve hypothesis (which actually favours the idea of Neandertal non-humanity—see No Bones about Eve), is a bit nervous about the possible DNA contamination that can occur easily.3 Furthermore, the sample size of Neandertals
