While I’ve always told my husband that he should consider me exotic, I don’t think that he has actually felt that I am. We have more or less the same ancestry. We are both about 1/2 Irish or Scots/Irish. I’m also English/German, but I identify myself as Irish-American. I think he’s English/English. Fairly typical for a lot of people in the US. But imagine my glee upon reading that Europeans have 1-4% Neatherthal DNA….I mean, really, that’s Exotic with a capital E.
The only disappointment is that by definition, my husband also has 1-4% Neanderthal DNA. Which makes me tied for uniqueness in this relationship. And speaking of disappointment, I was really disappointed that I am not related to Genghis Khan (at least I don’t think so). Genghis Khan and his male lineage have been prolific. But, sadly, only in Asia. Which let’s me out. So I have to settle for being part Neanderthal sans Genghis Khanish.
But, scientifically, what does this really mean? I’m guessing this is why I suck at making fires. Neanderthals didn’t disappear because they were good at fire-building. And it probably means that as a language teacher, I didn’t get my linguistic genes from my Neanderthal ancestors. Although perhaps the “huh” I like saying is a recessive genetically-caused sound. Either that or it means I don’t have as good a vocabulary as I think I do. But at least someone up the genetic line from me survived against all odds.
My #1 trait? Survival of the Exoticist.
saneteachers 
I guess it’s pretty cool, as long as your husband doesn’t drag you around by your hair, with a club in his hand.
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He definitely doesn’t do that…not even with a golf club.
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I suppose it’s all right to have four percent Neanderthal genes, since it seems rather unlikely they’re going to be demanding the genes back anytime soon.
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Ha! A truer word has never been spoken.
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OMG. This makes me want to do the DNA test. I wonder if you can put 4% Neanderthal on a resume? And it sucks that you are BOTH exactly the same amount of Neanderthal. I think that would be fodder for FUN for the REST OF MY LIFE! I didn’t even know that being a percentage Neanderthal was possible! I am SO jealous of you right now.
Julie
http://itsabeautifultree.com/2015/03/23/the-house-that-william-built/
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I’m rather obsessed with the idea of being part Neanderthal, but it isn’t unique. I don’t have the articles right in front of me to site, but all humans on earth, we the exception of Sub-Saharan Africans have 1%-4% Neanderthal DNA. Said African groups did not migrate north and around to Europe. Everyone else did. So cool. I’m just hoping my husband only has 3% and I have 4%. We’re both of European ancestry, so who knows. Way cool though, lol. Thank you for reading my blog!!
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