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140,000-Year-Old Skhul Child Shows Mixed Traits, Pointing to Early Human–Neanderthal Interbreeding

Micro‑CT and 3D reconstructions revealed internal skull features consistent with mixed ancestry, though experts say genetic proof is still needed.

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Male and female scientists study anatomy of fossil skull of ancient man using tablet computer. Archaeologists work in archaeological lab. Board with printed images of 3D visualization of humans head.
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The lower jaw of Skhul I child showing features characteristics of Neanderthals.

Overview

  • The peer‑reviewed study in L’Anthropologie reanalyzes a five‑year‑old skeleton from Skhul Cave in Israel first excavated about 90 years ago.
  • The skull vault curvature resembles Homo sapiens, while the inner ear, lower jaw, and intracranial blood‑vessel patterns match Neanderthal traits.
  • Researchers created detailed 3D models from micro‑CT scans to examine non‑visible structures and compare them with known Neanderthal and H. sapiens morphologies.
  • No ancient DNA was recovered, and outside specialists emphasize that morphology alone cannot definitively establish hybrid parentage.
  • The findings support the Levant as a long‑term contact zone and push physical evidence of interbreeding far earlier than the commonly cited 60,000–40,000 years window.