Homo sapiens, or modern humans, are the only surviving human species today. Throughout history, they have encountered and interbred with other human species, such as Neanderthals and Denisovans, during their migrations across the globe. These ancient relatives of modern humans once lived alongside Homo sapiens, and genetic evidence shows that interbreeding occurred between these groups. Evelyne Heyer, a professor of genetic anthropology at the Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle in France, discusses these topics in a recent interview. She explains why Homo sapiens are the only surviving human species and how genetic research helps us understand the connections between modern humans and these now-extinct relatives. The interview explores the genetic links between Homo sapiens and other human populations, including how these interactions shaped the genetic makeup of today's human populations. For example, many non-African populations carry traces of Neanderthal DNA, which suggests that interbreeding occurred after Homo sapiens migrated out of Africa. Similarly, some Asian and Oceanic populations have genetic markers from Denisovans, another group of ancient humans. These findings highlight the complex history of human evolution and the shared ancestry among all modern humans. Genetics also reveals both the similarities and differences among current human populations. While all humans share a common origin, genetic variations have led to differences in traits such as skin color, disease susceptibility, and other characteristics. These variations are the result of evolutionary processes, including natural selection and genetic drift, which have shaped human populations over thousands of years. Professor Heyer emphasizes that understanding these genetic differences helps scientists trace human migration patterns and better understand the history of our species. The interview, titled "Le Grand Entretien," was co-produced by The Conversation France and CanalChat Grand Dialogue. It aims to make scientific research more accessible to the general public by discussing complex topics in an engaging and informative way. Through such discussions, experts like Evelyne Heyer help bridge the gap between scientific discoveries and public understanding, offering insights into the shared human story.