A recent study led by researchers at Oxford University suggests that early humans and Neanderthals may have engaged in intimate behaviors, including kissing. This finding builds on previous research indicating that humans share genetic material with Neanderthals, hinting at interactions between the two species.
The study, published in the journal Evolution and Human Behavior, utilized observational data from contemporary primates across Africa, Europe, and Asia. Researchers focused on species that exhibit kissing behaviors, such as chimpanzees, orangutans, and bonobos. They treated kissing as an evolutionary trait and employed Bayesian statistical modeling to trace its origins within primate ancestry.
According to the study, kissing likely emerged around 20 million years ago. Among the kissing primates, Neanderthals were included, suggesting that this behavior may not have been exclusive to modern humans. The lead author of the study, evolutionary biologist Matilda Brindle, highlighted the implications of this research, stating, “Probably they were kissing. It certainly puts a more romantic spin on human-Neanderthal relations.”
This insight into kissing behavior is particularly intriguing given earlier findings that humans and Neanderthals share similar oral microbes, presumably acquired through saliva exchange. Brindle noted that the act of kissing may have served a practical purpose for our ancestors, enabling them to assess the health of potential mates.
The notion of romantic interactions between humans and Neanderthals adds a captivating dimension to our understanding of these ancient relationships. This research not only deepens our appreciation for the complexity of early human life but also challenges the narrative surrounding Neanderthals, often depicted as brutish and primitive.
The work of Auel, particularly in her novel The Clan of the Cave Bear, published in 1980, explored similar themes, speculating on the interactions between modern humans and Neanderthals. While her ideas were controversial at the time, they have gained considerable support through recent scientific findings.
As researchers continue to uncover the past, the evidence of kissing between these two species enriches our understanding of human evolution and social behaviors. The study marks a significant step in the exploration of how ancient interactions may have shaped modern human relationships.
In conclusion, the study from Oxford not only suggests that kissing is an ancient practice among large apes but also indicates that early humans and Neanderthals likely shared this intimate behavior. This evolving narrative around human ancestry continues to captivate scientists and the public alike.