We have completed maintenance on DiscoverMagazine.com and action may be required on your account. Learn More

How Much Neanderthal DNA do Humans Have?

Our ancestors interbred with Neanderthals, and evidence of these ancient liaisons can still be found in the DNA of people living today.

By Nathaniel Scharping
Apr 28, 2020 3:00 PMApr 30, 2020 3:00 PM
Neanderthal - Shutterstock
(Credit: IR Stone/Shutterstock)

Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
 

We all have a little Neanderthal in us. The amount varies a bit, from less than a percent to likely over 2 percent, depending on our heritage. East Asians seem to have the most Neanderthal DNA in their genomes, followed by those of European ancestry. Africans, long thought to have no Neanderthal DNA, were recently found to have genes from the hominins comprising around 0.3 percent of their genome.

0 free articles left
Want More? Get unlimited access for as low as $1.99/month

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

0 free articlesSubscribe
Discover Magazine Logo
Want more?

Keep reading for as low as $1.99!

Subscribe

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

Stay Curious

Sign up for our weekly newsletter and unlock one more article for free.

 

View our Privacy Policy


Want more?
Keep reading for as low as $1.99!


Log In or Register

Already a subscriber?
Find my Subscription

More From Discover
Recommendations From Our Store
Shop Now
Stay Curious
Join
Our List

Sign up for our weekly science updates.

 
Subscribe
To The Magazine

Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.

Copyright © 2024 Kalmbach Media Co.