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The story of human evolution has traditionally been dominated by the narratives surrounding Neanderthals and anatomically modern humans. However, the discovery of Denisova cave in Siberia and the subsequent identification of Denisovans have dramatically shifted this narrative. Initially, Neanderthals were perceived as brutish and lacking in cognitive abilities, but recent research has painted a different picture. They were not only capable of creating art but also shared a complex social structure, which is indicative of their humanity. The fact that modern humans interbred with Neanderthals — resulting in three to five percent of Neanderthal DNA in certain populations today — underscores their status as legitimate members of the human family.