Possible Further Evidence of Low Genetic Diversity in the El Sidrón (Asturias, Spain) Neandertal Group: Congenital Clefts of the Atlas

摘要: We present here the first cases in Neandertals of congenital clefts arch atlas. Two atlases from El Sidron, northern Spain, respectively a defect posterior (frequency extant modern human populations ranging 0.73% to 3.84%), and anterior 0.087% 0.1%) arch, condition most not associated with any clinical manifestation. The fact that two out three observable low frequency condition, together previously reported evidence retained deciduous mandibular canine ten dentitions supports previous observation based on genetic these constituted group close relations. Some have proposed for humans other species presence skeletal conditions, although without significance, could be used as signal endogamy or inbreeding. In case this interpretation would fit general scenario high incidence rare conditions among Pleistocene specific scenariothat emerges Neandertal paleogenetics, which points long-term small decreasing population size reduced isolated groups. Adverse environmental factors affecting early pregnancies constitute an alternative, non-exclusive, explanation conditions. Further support rejection interpretations will come new remains.