A new study suggests modern humans who rise early are more genetically Neanderthal than are sleep-inners.
I’ll explain. But first, something more important: I’m out of bed by 5:30 most mornings. So, according to science, I’m part Neanderthal – and w-a-a-a-y more so than my spouse, who dillydallies in bed until 8:30.
What’d you say? Yes, you! You’re not surprised I’m Neanderthal? Clam it, wouldya!
Now for the science.
Our hominin ancestors originated in Africa, with our species (homo sapiens) appearing around 300,000 years ago. Then 70,000 years ago, some humans trekked north into Europe and Asia, where they met our evolutionary cousins, the Neanderthals.
You saw this coming: humans and Neanderthals swapped, uh, genetic material. The study uses the word “introgression,” which appears to be lab-coat lingo for interspecies hanky-panky.
So, even then, novelty fed romance!
Neanderthals lived in northern Europe, where the bigger seasonal variations in daylight made rising early an advantage, the scientists conclude. Children of humans who’d made whoopee with Neanderthals inherited that advantage.
We early risers are the result. Born of hanky-panky – and still the better sleepers.
