Neanderthals and modern humans must be classed as separate species

Neanderthals and modern humans must be classed as separate species to best track our origins, claims new study from the Natural History Museum

A replica of an approximately 50,000-year-old Neanderthal cranium from La Ferrassie, France, compared to a recent Homo Sapiens cranium © Trustees of the Natural History Museum

PRESS RELEASE originally published by the Natural History Museum on 4 December 2024

Study argues that by the time of H. sapiens expansion, differentiation between the two species had occurred to the point where they were distinguishable species. 

A new study published by researchers at London’s Natural History Museum and Institute of Philosophy, KU Leuven has reinforced the claim that Neanderthals and modern-day humans (Homo sapiens) must be classed as separate species in order to best track our evolutionary history.

Different researchers have different definitions as to what classifies as a species. It is undisputed that H. sapiens and Neanderthals originate from the same parental species, however studies into Neanderthal genetics and evolution have reignited the debate over whether they should be classed as separate from H. sapiens or rather a subspecies (H. sapiens neanderthalensis).

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