Cindi

How were these fragments clearly Neanderthal? When I go to the doctor and he prescribes a medication, he usually does not tell me what the side effects are, or what the test results show. And because I sometimes research these things, I sometimes do not take a recommended medication once I read unbiased reports about it. In the case of figuring how scientists decide what type of being a bone fragment is from, if I can't understand the explanation (like dna analysis without outlining it in pretty much detail), I tend to figure, "oh well..." and then think they are just making figures based on some specifics but only they, the ones involved, seem to know what they're doing and then express it is terms the general public will not understand. If I have to become an analyst to find out for myself, that won't happen. Npro time and not enough interest. But who knows? Maybe I'll contact a professor and see what he says. So while I appreciate all the answers here, nothing convinces me that the answers from scientists are beyond doubt. Thanks though for trying to explain things to me.

OK, thanks to all. So is it possible that someone here can briefly explain why (really how, not why I guess) Neanderthal dna is different than homo sapien dna?

OK, I was thinking before I looked on the board again, let's say in the case of "Neanderthal" man. How do they figure the dna composition? (That's one question.) I mean how do they determine it's Neanderthal person and not, let's say, homo sapien? If I'm wrong in my terms, please feel free to correct me. OK, I appreciate that, but please look at my previous post where I wonder how DNA is analyzed and determined it's from a "Neanderthal" man and not a homo sapien.

Thanks! My main concern is about sizing up Neanderthal pieces, how they know when this thing lived and how they know they were Neanderthals -- based on what? the DNA? Because some keep talking about how "Neanderthal" DNA is still within certain current humans. Your comments are greatly appreciated.

Meaning its age and classification. Such as "Neanderthal" man. They got a few bones but how do they determine the age and genetic composition of the fragment?