Early risers may be Neanderthal descendants.Photo:Getty
Getty
Early risers may have Neanderthal ancestors, anew studysuggests.
Earlier this week, the findings were published in the journalGenome Biology and Evolution, which suggested that those who wake up early may have inherited genes from Neanderthals that increase their odds of being morning people, as opposed to thriving during the evening.
The Neanderthals, the study said, had to adapt to higher latitudes that were different in daylight and temperature throughout the yearly seasons, and once they began to mate with Homo sapiens, or modern humans, those genes were passed down over the years.
Those involved with the study were able to gather data from theUK Biobank, a medical database that features self-reported information on whether individuals consider themselves to be early risers.
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Neanderthal.Getty
The Neanderthals, the organization added, were sophisticated beings that used tools, controlled fire and lived in shelters. They also made and wore clothing and were skilled hunters.
“We found that Neanderthal DNA that remains in modern humans due to interbreeding has a significant and directional effect on modern humans,” study co-authorTony Capra, an associate professor of epidemiology and biostatistics at the University of California at San Francisco, toldThe Washington Postin a statement.
“In particular, the Neanderthal DNA that associates with chronotype consistently increases propensity to be a morning person," Capra added.
source: people.com
