Do Neanderthals Have a Genetic Link to Green Eyes?

Explore the genetics behind green eyes and their relation to Neanderthal traits. Discover the truth about eye color evolution.

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Green eyes are not specifically a Neanderthal trait. They are the result of complex genetic variations that have evolved in humans over time. While Neanderthal ancestry has contributed to certain traits in modern humans, green eyes primarily arise from variations in the OCA2 and HERC2 genes, which influence melanin production in the iris.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What genes are responsible for eye color? Eye color is primarily determined by variations in the OCA2 and HERC2 genes, which affect melanin production.
  2. Are green eyes common in the population? Green eyes are relatively rare, occurring in about 2% of the global population.
  3. Do Neanderthals have any influence on modern human traits? Neanderthal ancestry has contributed to certain traits in modern humans, but not specifically to eye color like green eyes.

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