DNA of 13 Neanderthals reveals ‘exciting’ snapshot of ancient community

Analysis of remains found in southern Siberia shows interconnecting web of relationships

The first snapshot of a Neanderthal community has been pieced together by scientists who examined ancient DNA from fragments of bone and teeth unearthed in caves in southern Siberia.

Researchers analysed DNA from 13 Neanderthal men, women and children and found an interconnecting web of relationships, including a father and his teenage daughter, another man related to the father, and two second-degree relatives, possibly an aunt and her nephew.