Neanderthal Thorin’s DNA reveals 50,000 years of inbreeding history

A recent genetic study published in the journal Cell Genomics analyzed the DNA of a Neanderthal named Thorin, who lived in France's Rhône Valley up to 42,000 years ago. Researchers, led by Ludovic Slimak, extracted a whole-genome sequence from a molar root, revealing a high level of genetic homozygosity. This indicates that Thorin's community experienced significant inbreeding and remained isolated from other Neanderthal populations for at least 50,000 years. The findings suggest that Thorin's genetic makeup was more similar to early Neanderthals from over 100,000 years ago, highlighting a lack of gene exchange with contemporary Neanderthals. Slimak had previously theorized that the Neanderthals in this region did not adopt new tool-making techniques, which may have contributed to their isolation and distinct lineage. Thorin's remains were discovered by Slimak, who named him after a character from J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit" to symbolize the end of a lineage. This Neanderthal represents one of the last individuals of his community, which had not interbred with other Neanderthals for millennia. The study sheds light on the factors that may have led to the decline of Neanderthals, emphasizing the importance of genetic diversity for survival. Overall, the research provides valuable insights into the evolutionary history of Neanderthals and their eventual extinction, illustrating how isolation and inbreeding can impact a population's genetic health and adaptability.