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Who Originally Had Red Hair?

Published in Human Genetics 2 mins read

The earliest known instances of red hair trace back to Neanderthals, with some individuals possessing this distinctive hair color due to a unique genetic mutation. Separately, the gene responsible for red hair in modern humans is estimated to have emerged much later, between 20,000 and 100,000 years ago.

The Ancient Roots of Red Hair

The history of red hair is complex, involving distinct genetic pathways in different human-like species. Understanding its origins requires looking at both ancient hominids and the lineage of modern humans.

Neanderthals: Early Redheads

A significant DNA study has revealed that some Neanderthals, an extinct species of human that lived across Eurasia, also had red hair. This discovery points to a very ancient origin for the trait. However, it's crucial to note that the genetic mutation causing red hair in Neanderthals differed from the mutation responsible for red hair in people today. This suggests an instance of convergent evolution, where a similar trait developed independently in different populations.

The Emergence of Red Hair in Modern Humans

The currently active gene that leads to red hair in modern humans is a distinct mutation. Estimates suggest that this gene appeared on the human timeline somewhere between 20,000 and 100,000 years ago. This places its origin within the period when anatomically modern humans were spreading across the globe.

Comparing the Origins of Red Hair

To clarify the distinct origins of red hair, consider the following breakdown:

Characteristic Neanderthal Red Hair Modern Human Red Hair
Genetic Basis Unique, distinct mutation Currently active gene mutation
Earliest Occurrence Ancient (before modern human gene) 20,000 to 100,000 years ago
Relation to Modern Humans Different evolutionary pathway Direct ancestor of current red hair

This distinction highlights that while red hair appeared early in human history with Neanderthals, the specific genetic signature common in people today evolved separately within the lineage of Homo sapiens.

For more in-depth information on the genetics and distribution of this unique hair color, you can explore the topic of Red Hair.