Humans and Neanderthals, siblings or more like 2nd cousins once removed- Meg Mickelsen

Humans have known for years of a similar species called Neanderthal that roamed the earth around 45,000 years ago.  This species has captured imaginations and been a great focus of pop culture.  They have always been considered to be human's closest relative.  Slightly stockier than the modern human, but with roughly the same size brain and rate of maturity, these apes shaped tool similar to those of early humans, and it has been theorized that they even built boats.  Many scientists believe that the Neanderthals interbred with humans, but others insist that the two species did not occupy the ear at the same time.  However, it has always been assumed that Neanderthals are equivalent to the sibling species of humans.  New evidence suggests otherwise.  Based on extensive new fossil dental studies, scientists now realize that no previously suggested common ancestor links Neanderthals and humans.  These species most likely diverged 1 million years ago, far earlier then previously thought.  The Homo Sapien species looks like an only child after all.  Read the details at http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/10/131021153202.htm