On: More evidence that Neanderthals were ‘absorbed’ by...

[nindalf]

Because the definition of species is somewhat circular. Two sets of organisms are separate species if they can’t interbreed with one another. So if there’s proof that humans and neanderthals had children together, we’re the same species. If there’s no such evidence, then we’re not.

This definition kinda breaks down when we realise that wolves and coyotes can interbreed in the wild to give birth to viable offspring.

[Talanes → nindalf]

It also breaks down if you use it on very broad scales. Species are easier to separate when their common ancestor is outside your frame of reference.

[catmanjan → nindalf]

A somewhat interesting fact is that by this definition two groups of humans can be different species simply by not being able to reach each other due to a impassable barrier

[roelschroeven → catmanjan]

Not, it's not, but when two populations of a species are physically separated, they can very well evolve to different species given enough time.

[catmanjan → roelschroeven]

I meant to say groups of humans

[cheph → catmanjan]

Nope.

[catmanjan → cheph]

Yep