The idea has been kicking around for a number of years that modern humans may have picked up some valuable genes by mating with Neanderthals (kind of like Clan of the Cave Bear, that really odd series of romance novels set in caveman days that were huge bestsellers a generation ago). A new study supports that theory. John Hawks has the background.
The idea is that if Neanderthals were off evolving by themselves in the frigid North for a few hundred thousand years, they likely would have developed some well-honed genes for dealing with the difficulties of life outside the tropics. The fastest way for modern humans migrating out of the tropics to acquire traits optimized for surviving winters, or whatever, would have been to interbreed with Neanderthals.
Poster Comment:
I read an article a few day ago in which they finally proved, genetically, that non-African populations interbred with Neanderthals, especially Europeans.
I have thought this for years and I believe it accounts for European superiority over the other races when it comes to creativity, etc.
I have what the French call a "Neanderthal toe."
Some believe the Celts have the most Neanderthal ancestry, since the Neanderthals were fair-skinned and red-haired an blond. It may also account for the Celtic warrior thing. Even Patton said the Scots-Irish were the most fierce warriors in the world and have never been defeated.
All of this is going to be very interesting the more information comes out.