I didn't claim they were a different species. There were more likely a long isolated subspecies still genetically capable of reproducing with cromagnons, which

I didn't claim they were a different species. There were more likely a long isolated subspecies still genetically capable of reproducing with cromagnons, which is evident by the presence of their genes in modern humans. And they aren't the only examples of that, either (i.e consider Denisovans)