RE: You do know that neanderthals have 48 chromosomes right?
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So, how do we know what the Neanderthal chromsome count was? This could cast a big light on where and when the Human 46 chromosome count came into being. Of course, there are species with different chromosome counts that have been known to interbreed, so a count different doesn't neccesarily preclude genetic mixing.
Interestingly enough, the Human chromosome #2, which accounts for the reduction from a 48-count to a 46-count, doesn't seem to contain the genes that make Humans unique from homonid primates. Human chromosome 2 corresponds to primate chromosomes 12 and 13 which have mysteriously been joint by "Robertsonian Translocation" but The fusion of chromosome 2 has inactivated three regions of activity, one pericentric and two telemeric, thus the centromere of 13 has been switched off. That means that an individual with a Robertsonian fusion can carry on the fusion successfully. It may inhibit fertility to some extent, but doesn't preclude all opportunities to bear healthy offspring.
Wild Horses (Equus ferus przewalskii) have 66 chromosomes. Domestic horses (Equus caballus) have 64 chromosomes, and Donkeys have 62 chromosomes. Crossing a wild horse with a domestic horse produces a horse with 65 chromosomes. So, the chromosome count doesn't necessarily have to match to provide offspring as in syngamy.
So, back to my original question: How do we know what the Neanderthal chromsome count was?
