[Coyoteman]

So why does the scientific community invest so much time and energy to try to divorce the two?

Perhaps this chart will help.

The two are certainly related, and share a common ancestor. I think the issue being discussed here is the amount (if any) of intermixing between modern humans and Neanderthal.

Many think that after the separation there was essentially no intermixing and that Neanderthan eventually died out.

Source: http://wwwrses.anu.edu.au/environment/eePages/eeDating/HumanEvol_info.html

[SkyPilot]

Thanks.

[Phil Connors]

Many think that after the separation there was essentially no intermixing and that Neanderthan eventually died out. >>

OTOH, maybe Adam and Eve's children married the Neandertals instead of each other....