Some Neanderthals Were Genetically Healthy Right Up Until the End

Neanderthals weren't uniformly doomed—some populations maintained robust genetic health right until extinction. This complicates the narrative that they were outcompeted by superior intellects.

Genetic analysis shows no universal decline in Neanderthal fitness before disappearance

Regional variation suggests different populations faced different pressures and timelines

Challenges simplistic 'cognitive superiority' explanations for modern human dominance