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When modern humans encountered Neanderthals, the latter’s genetic legacy was diluted as dominant traits favored modern human adaptations, leading to rapid selection against Neanderthal ancestry. Consequently, the populations that emerged in the aftermath of these interactions might have been more modern humans than an outright blend.
Conclusion: A Complex Tapestry of Survival
The narrative of human expansion is not just about survival of the fittest; rather, it reflects a complex interplay of cultural innovations, population dynamics, and genetic exchanges. The success of modern humans can be seen as a multifaceted process influenced more by cultural evolution than mere biological advantage.