Analyzing evidence, interbreeding/admixture

what are the problems with fossil evidence?

fossil evidence alone is not enough, it is difficult to ID certain fossils as DNA is rarely available in fossils. Incomplete little organic material fossilizes leaving gaps in records such as distribution and diversity. Unclear tool association

What is relative dating?

method of dating based on the assumption that older material is found on lower/deeper layers of the ground

what is absolute dating?

method of dating providing the actual age for a fossil.

Which species interbred with humans?

Neanderthals' bred with humans in Europe and western Asia, therefore non African populations carry neanderthal DNA. In Asia Denisovans bred with humans, Asian, Melanesian and Australian populations carry Denisovan DNA.

What are the benefits of Admixture?

Provided beneficial alleles into the human species.

1. EPAS1 allele from Denisovans, allele used for surviving at high altitudes by keeping blood thin

2. HLA alleles from Neanderthals', immune system benefits to European pathogens

3. SLC16A11 allels from Neanderthals', associated with fat storage, important when food is scarce.