# Human Neanderthal Mating Was Planet of the Apes for Real? By karl burkart | Published 2008-08-29 | Unique Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/human-neanderthal-mating References: [news.nationalgeographic](http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2007/08/070802-neanderthals.html) & [news.nationalgeographic](http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2007/03/070314-hybrids.html) All the buzz about Big Foot got me thinking about the possibility of Human Neanderthal interbreeding. Half-man, [half-ape](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/congo-falls), Bigfoot begs the question: just how CLOSELY were we related? It turns out, well, very close! A recent skull finding in Romania proves that *homo sapiens* did in fact get it on with their more ape-like cousins, the *Neanderthals*. And apparently, the phenomenon of interbreeding or, as its called in the scientific world, “hybrid speciation” is quiet common. [Advances in DNA testing](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/genome-sequencing), are now allowing scientists to trace the parental roots of every species on earth. The findings -- well there was a whole lot of hanky panky. Animals were generally thought to evolve the opposite way, when a single species gradually splits into two over many generations. But according to biologist James Mallet of [University College London](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dinosaur-footprints), this phenomenon of interbreeding, once considered a “sexual blunder” turns out to be a major force in the evolution of life on earth. Think of a nectarine: half peach, half plum, super delicious. It seems nature has been quite in favor of a little sexual experimentation. Hybrid speciation is far more common than anyone thought, marking a major change in evolutionary theory. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.6/10 - Popularity: 39% | Activity: 60% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Unique](https://www.trendhunter.com/unique) > [Bizarre](https://www.trendhunter.com/bizarre) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Hybrid Speciation:** The phenomenon of interbreeding, or hybrid speciation, is proving to be a major force in the evolution of life on earth. - **Advances in DNA Testing:** DNA testing advancements are now allowing scientists to trace the parental roots of every species on earth, revealing a history of interbreeding. - **Commonness of Hybrid Speciation:** Hybrid speciation is far more common than previously thought, challenging traditional evolutionary theories. ### Who This Affects Most - **DNA Testing Industry:** The DNA testing industry can capitalize on advances in technology to provide more accurate and detailed ancestral DNA analysis for individuals and species. - **Evolutionary Biology Industry:** The field of evolutionary biology can explore the implications of hybrid speciation on the understanding of species development and adaptation. - **Biotechnology Industry:** The biotechnology industry can leverage the knowledge of hybrid speciation to develop new methods and technologies for genetic engineering and bio-manufacturing. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Ancient DNA Tests](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/myheritage-ancient-origins.md) - [Cultivated Ice Age Meatballs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mammoth-meatballs.md) - [Dog Behavior Patterns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eotvos-lorand-university.md) - [DNA Ancestry Tests](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dna-ancestry-test.md) - [History-Centric Advertisements](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/royal-ontario-museum.md) - [Streetwear-Inspired NFTs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hapebeasts.md) - [Ancient Cannabinoid Enzymes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ancient-enzymes-for-medical-cannabinoids.md) - [Evolving Hybrid Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/human-one.md) - [AI-Powered Dinosaur Tracking Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dinosaur-footprints.md)