Neanderthal fossils show a major population drop 110,000 years ago. Researchers link this to reduced genetic diversity.

NEW YORK (AP) — Scientists have dated the skeleton of an ancient child that caused a stir when it was first discovered because it carries features from both humans and Neanderthals.

Carried out by an international team of researchers, the study took a relatively unique approach, using the anatomy of the ear canal and existing Neanderthal genetics to find strong indications of a genetic bottleneck a little over 100,000 years ago.

For thousands of years, Neanderthals flourished across Eurasia. But new research suggests their genetic diversity plummeted in a sudden population collapse 110,000 years ago.

Neanderthal genetic diversity dropped 110,000 years ago CT scans of inner ear bones show a major bottleneck event Reduced diversity may have weakened their survival chances

Groundbreaking research finds that Neanderthals experienced a severe population crash 110,000 years ago, challenging past theories.

But ever since the first Neanderthal fossil was discovered in the mid-19th century, it’s been impossible to grasp who they really were and how they lived —until now. New archeological ...