The science of human evolution has made big leaps in recent years, and it’s painting a new picture of our origins. We’re closer than ever to our extinct cousins like the Neanderthals, thanks to more fossils, research and the power to pull DNA from ancient bones. In the past, these other creatures were shown as primitive cavemen who were earlier steps on the path of evolution. But now, research has shown Homo sapiens lived alongside other kinds of ancient humans and even mated with some of them. Researchers say groups like the Neanderthals and the Denisovans lived complex lives and were an important part of the human story.
