Early Risers May Be Neanderthal Descendants, New Study Suggests

Early birds may have Neanderthal ancestors, a new study suggests.

Earlier this week, the findings were published in a journal Biology and evolution of the genomewhich suggested that early risers may have inherited genes from Neanderthals that increase their chances of being morning people, as opposed to progressing through the evening.

A study has found that genetics passed down from Neanderthals, an ancient human relative who lived some 40,000 years ago, can make some individuals morning people. These creatures have developed a circadian rhythm, which, according to the National Library of Medicine, is “a 24-hour internal clock in our brain that regulates wakefulness and sleepiness cycles in response to light changes in our environment.”

Neanderthals, the study says, had to adapt to higher latitudes that varied in daylight and temperature during the seasons, and when they began to mate with Homo sapiens, or modern humans, those genes were passed on over the years.

Those involved in the study were able to collect data from the UK’s Biobank, a medical database that contains information on whether individuals are considered precocious by self-report.

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Neanderthal man.

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Neanderthals were defined by a variety of physical traits, including larger noses and bodies, as well as curved cheekbones, according to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History.

Neanderthals, the organization adds, were sophisticated beings who used tools, controlled fire and lived in shelters. They also made and wore clothing and were skilled hunters.

“We found that Neanderthal DNA that remains in modern humans due to interbreeding has a significant and targeted effect on modern humans,” said study co-author Tony Capra, associate professor of epidemiology and biostatistics at the University of California, San Francisco. The Washington Post in the statement.

“Specifically, Neanderthal DNA associated with chronotype consistently increases the tendency to be a morning person,” Capra added.

Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education