I see everywhere that Neanderthals are a different species, and also, ethnic group X has Y percent of Neanderthal DNA.
Most sites I read say they are not from our species, only the same genus.
I think I'm missing something here. Only members of the same species can have fertile offspring, this is the definition of the concept.
Enlighten me, /sci/. How does this work?
>>8466791
"species" is a poor model
>>8466791
(Ignoring hybrids and the fluidity of transitions that muck up species as a unit of isolated genetic flow).
There are multiple definitions of species of which you've mentioned only one.
Your definition isn't one that can be readily tested and verified.
We can't just fuck a Neanderthal and make sure it works.
As such the definition used is probably one with a morphological basis.
>>8466925
At least that's an answer. I should have guessed that paleontologists would use that, but it kinda sounds like phrenology. All that morphology discussion on robust jaws and skulls stinks to high heaven. Oh well.
>>8466791
I'm interested too.
>>8466791
That thought came across me when I was 8. Was in France. Family from Netherland's were across from our camp pitch. Watched them. Weird vibes. Kid couldn't speak English but proceeded to beg mutely for a donut from my mum. I gave him mine. Watched him eat it. Was weird as fuck. His parents acted like aliens. Weird gaits. Interesting, thought provoking.
4 years later, Swedish kid joins our school. Yup, fully convinced that they're aliens