12/15/2023

Hey, Morning Person - You Might be a Descendant of Neanderthals

Inherited genes from Neanderthals may impact some humans' circadian clocks

Do you find it easy to wake up early? You may have Neanderthals in your ancestry.

A study published this week in Genome Biology and Evolution has found that Neanderthal DNA remains in some present-day humans and may determine whether someone is naturally an early riser.

Neanderthals are our closest extinct human relative, according to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History, and had defining physical features such as larger noses, angled cheek bones and stockier bodies. They were known to use sophisticated tools, control fire, be skilled in hunting, wear clothing and live in shelters.

Please select this link to read the complete article from The Washington Post.