Our Neanderthal ancestors have never ceased to intrigue us. Recently, groundbreaking discoveries have further enriched our understanding of this extinct branch of the human evolutionary tree. Far from the caricatured image of the boorish caveman, these revelations highlight striking similarities with Homo sapiens. Here is an overview of the major discoveries.
1. Fashion before its time: Neanderthal clothing
Despite the absence of fossilized clothing, indirect evidence shows that Neanderthals were adept at protecting their bodies against the cold. Stone tools bearing traces of skin treatment and pierced bones suggest the manufacture of clothing. While the exact nature of their outfit remains debated, it is likely that it included coats and rudimentary shoes, according to a study published in Journal of Archaeological Science (2023). These “primitive designers” would have been the precursors of functional fashion.
2. A community of solidarity with the weakest
A study published in Science Advances (2024) analyzed the remains of a young girl nicknamed “Tina”, found in Spain. Suffering from malformations associated with Down syndrome, Tina would have required constant care to survive. This discovery demonstrates an astonishing altruism among Neanderthals, capable of guaranteeing the survival of the most vulnerable members of their group.
3. Engineers of the past: a prehistoric glue factory
In a cave in Gibraltar, researchers have discovered a hearth dating back 65,000 years. Used to produce resin from plants, this rudimentary “laboratory” demonstrates the Neanderthals' ability to make glue to assemble tools and weapons. This technical feat, described in Quaternary Science Reviews (2023), reveals their ability to master complex processes well before the arrival of Homo sapiens.
4. Distinct funeral rites
Neanderthals buried their dead, but their practices differed from Homo sapiens. While the latter favored the fetal position in open places, the Neanderthals preferred caves to bury their deceased in varied postures. These differences could reflect cultural or symbolic gaps, according to a study published in Anthropology (2024).
5. Familiar faces
The facial reconstruction of “Shanidar Z”, a Neanderthal woman discovered in Iraq, shows features very similar to modern humans. With prominent brow ridges but facial musculature similar to ours, these images recall the evolutionary proximity between our two species.
6. An end marked by isolation
The skeleton of “Thorin”, discovered in the Rhône valley, revealed very inbred DNA. This discovery, published in Nature (2024), suggests that the last populations of Neanderthals lived in isolation for millennia, despite the proximity of other groups.
7. A genetic enigma: the disappearance of the Y chromosome
No trace of Neanderthal Y chromosome DNA has been found in modern humans. Hypotheses include biological incompatibilities during interspecies mixing, according to researchers at Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology. This genetic mystery raises questions about the limits of hybridization.
8. Assimilation rather than sudden extinction
Recent genetic analyzes show that Neanderthals left a legacy in our DNA, with 1 to 2% of their genes present in modern populations. This suggests that they were gradually absorbed into Homo sapiens groups.
9. The impact of their DNA on our health
Some Neanderthal genes still influence our health today. For example, they play a role in fertility and resistance to certain diseases, but also increase the risk of allergies and diabetes. These contrasting effects have been widely studied in Nature Communications (2023).
10. An end due to social competition
Homo sapiens had larger social networks, allowing them to better survive in hostile environments. The Neanderthals, more isolated, disappeared around 37,000 BCE. However, their genetic heritage still lives in us.
These recent discoveries revolutionize our vision of this extinct species, while highlighting the deep links that unite us. Neanderthals are no longer just fossils from the past, but key players in our evolution. Click here to explore more.
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