The Neanderthal “Love Story” Isn’t What It Seems

Media reports overstate a Science study as proof that Neanderthal men preferred Sapiens women.

The research only examines why Neanderthal DNA is rarer on the X chromosome than on other chromosomes.

Possible explanations include natural selection, sex-biased admixture, demographic effects, or partner preference.

The study does not prove prehistoric romance or any real social behavior, despite the catchy framing.