The researchers cite evidence that modern humans (H. sapiens) became established in the same region as the last Neanderthals approximately 39,000–42,000 years ago.

Question

What does this suggest about the possible overlap of Neanderthals and modern humans in the region?

A. Neanderthals and modern humans may have lived in the same region for up to approximately 2,000 years, or they may not have overlapped at all.
B. Modern humans killed off the last of the Neanderthals when they moved into the same region, which led to the extinction of the Neanderthals.
C. Neanderthals and modern humans could not have lived in the same region at the same time, so they would not have come in contact.

Answer 1

The best option that reflects the evidence regarding the possible overlap of Neanderthals and modern humans in the same region is:

A. Neanderthals and modern humans may have lived in the same region for up to approximately 2,000 years, or they may not have overlapped at all.

This option acknowledges the possibility of overlap in their timelines without asserting causation or indicating that they could not have coexisted. It leaves room for the idea that they may have cohabited the region for a period of time or that there may have been no overlap.