The genetic origins of blue eyes in ancient humans reveal a complex history of gene variation and inheritance. Contrary to previous beliefs, Neanderthals possessed genetic diversity related to pigmentation, which has influenced modern human populations. A key gene associated with blue eye color appeared roughly 250,000 years ago, with other pigmentation-related genes emerging around 600,000 to 900,000 years ago in the common ancestors of Neanderthals and early humans. Top Ten Myths about Neanderthals Modern Humans Could Have Mated With Denisovans as Recently as 15,000 Years Ago Analysis shows that genes responsible for lighter pigmentation were present long before the emergence of Homo sapiens around 300,000 years ago. Some of these genes, including those located on chromosomes 9 and 15, were inherited from archaic hominins such as Neanderthals and Denisovans. This indicates a shared genetic trait among early humans and these extinct relatives. Read moreSection: NewsHuman OriginsScienceVideosRead Later