Latest news with #Homoneanderthalensis
National Geographic
25-07-2025
- Science
- National Geographic
Who were the Neanderthals—and why did they go extinct?
Neanderthals were a hardy species, but these ancient human relatives disappeared 40,000 years ago. Here's what scientists know. This reconstruction of a female Neanderthal was made using ancient DNA evidence. Our ancient ancestors looked similar to modern humans but with more prominent brows and big teeth and eyes. Scientists believe they were also smarter than originally believed. Photograph by JOE MCNALLY, Nat Geo Image Collection Neanderthals were our closest known relatives and walked the Earth between at least 400,000 and 40,000 years ago. But since their fossilized bones were discovered more than 160 years ago, there are still many questions about what they were like. The bones were uncovered by limestone quarry workers digging in Germany's Neander Valley in 1856. At first, they thought they'd uncovered the remains of a bear. In fact, they'd stumbled upon something that would change history: evidence of an extinct species of ancient human predecessors. Researchers soon realized they had already encountered these human relatives in earlier fossils that had been misidentified throughout the early 19th century. The discovery galvanized scientists eager to explore new theories of human evolution, sparking a worldwide Neanderthal fossil hunt and tantalizing the public with the possibility of a mysterious sister species that once dominated Europe. Who exactly were these ancient humans, how did they live, and why did they die out? Here's what to know about them. The skull of a female Neanderthal rests alongside other Neanderthal remains discovered in Gorham's Cave. Located on the eastern side of the Rock of Gibraltor, this archaeological site has yielded important insights into Neanderthal life. Photograph by KENNETH GARRETT, Nat Geo Image Collection Homo neanderthalensis, were named by geologist William King, who based the name on his findings near La Chapelle Aux Saints, in France. At first glance, fossilized bones suggested that Neanderthals were human-like. But a closer look reveals the characteristics that differentiate our ancient ancestors from modern Homo sapiens. They looked similar to humans but had a more prominent brow ridge, protruding faces, and rib cages that were shorter, deeper, and wider. In addition, their eye sockets were much larger, which may have enabled them to see better than modern humans. Researchers believe that their brains were roughly the same size as ours, although they were more elongated. Though debates on the size and structures still rage today, researchers agree that the average male was about 5 foot 4 inches tall, while females stood at about 5 feet. (You may have more Neanderthal DNA than you think.) These hominids once lived throughout Eurasia. Researchers believe that due to the species' adaptation to the region's cold climates, they had compact, massive musculature and would have required up to 4,480 calories a day to survive. Megafauna like mammoths, elephants, and woolly rhinoceros made hunting an important facet of their life. Living and traveling in small groups, they used tools like spears to satiate their meat-heavy diet. They also ate plants, which MIT geobiologist Ainara Sistiaga has said is evidence that Neanderthals 'probably ate what was available in different situations, seasons, and climates.' Sometimes, this included eating their own. In 2016, scientists studying remains of Neanderthal skeletons from a cave in what is now Belgium found 'unambiguous evidence of Neanderthal cannibalism in Northern Europe.' How intelligent were Neanderthals and what did their lives look like? Researchers initially assumed Neanderthals were brutish, hairy thugs capable only of crude thought and bloody hunting. But some scientists have changed their tune as evidence has accumulated of some surprisingly human-like characteristics among these human ancestors. Neanderthals used tools in domestic and hunting contexts, flaking rocks to create weapons, scrapers, and axes. Woodworking was also common. They cut and whittled sticks they used to dig or form spears. Neanderthals used materials such as flint to make tools that they used as weapons, axes, and more. This specimen is from the Pinilla del Valle site, in the Lozoya Valley, near Madrid, Spain. Several Neanderthal fossils have been found here since excavations begin in the early 2000s. Photograph by MARCO ANSALONI, SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY (Top) (Left) and Photograph by ROBBIE SHONE, Nat Geo Image Collection (Bottom) (Right) Despite their assumed ability to withstand the cold, they are also thought to have processed animal hides and crafted clothing that could cover up to 80 percent of their bodies. Like humans, they are thought to have covered their feet and other sensitive body parts. But since the clothing has long since disintegrated, researchers can only infer how they may have dressed. (Take a fascinating look inside the world of Neanderthals) Another breakthrough was the discovery that Neanderthals may have been capable of symbolic thought. A few archaeological Neanderthal sites have yielded decorated eagle talons and objects thought to have been used in burial rituals—evidence, some say, of advanced thought and tradition. Then, in 2018, researchers announced they'd discovered evidence of cave paintings from 65,000 years ago—the oldest artworks of their kind. But the abstract nature of this art continues to fuel debates among scientists about how complex their mental capacities truly were. Why Neanderthals went extinct 40,000 years ago Whatever their cognitive abilities, Neanderthals were ultimately doomed. However, their extinction is just as contentious as other facets of their lives. Scientists still debate what caused them to disappear around 40,000 years ago at the end of the ice age. Researchers know that in at least some cases, Neanderthals coexisted and even mated with Homo sapiens, which emerged in Africa about 300,000 years ago. But Homo sapiens eventually won out genetically, and the vast majority of modern humans' genes come from our African ancestors. Some surmise that competition from early modern humans for food and shelter, or evolution that selected for more successful human traits, contributed to the Neanderthals' extinction. Others think that because Neanderthals lived in such small groups, they simply became outnumbered by humans. (Go inside the last days of Neanderthals) Another hypothesis involves climate change: Scientists have documented a thousand-year-long cold snap in central Europe that coincided with the Neanderthals' extinction about 40,000 years ago and that could have depopulated the species. Cooling is thought to have been less severe in areas populated by Homo sapiens. Those who embrace this theory believe that once Neanderthal populations declined, humans moved in and eventually became the dominant species worldwide. Neanderthal cave paintings created some 65,000 years ago inside the Andalusian cave of Ardales. Researchers have found such paintings in three caves in Spain, including this one. Photograph by JORGE GUERRERO, AFP/Getty Images Despite their species' demise, fascinating remnants of Neanderthal genomes can be found in some modern humans. Up to 4 percent of the DNA of human populations outside of Africa, the cradle of Homo sapiens, can be traced back to Neanderthals. That overlap shows that Neanderthals did interbreed with humans. (How do Neanderthal genes affect your health?) 'Ironically, with a current world population of about 8 billion people, this means that there has never been more Neanderthal DNA on Earth,' write prehistory experts Peter C. Kjærgaard, Mark Maslin, and Trine Kellberg Nielsen. Given how long it's been since Neanderthals roamed Eurasia, it's impossible to truly reconstruct how they lived and died. But the mystery of these human ancestors—and tantalizing hints that Neanderthals were much like us—continues to drive research, and controversy, to this day. Editor's note: This article has been updated to clarify how Neanderthal faces and bodies differed from modern humans. A reference to Neanderthal DNA in modern humans has also been revised to specify that the DNA was found in humans living outside of Africa. This story originally published on March 6, 2023. It was updated on July 24, 2025.
Newsweek
08-07-2025
- Science
- Newsweek
Newly Released Images Show 3 Early Human Species
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The BBC has released new images showcasing early human species as part of its upcoming science series, Human. Why It Matters This release is significant for both scientists and the public, providing historically accurate reconstructions that bring to life key moments in our ancestry. What To Know The series, presented by paleoanthropologist Ella Al-Shamahi, will explore the story of human evolution over the past 300,000 years. The series explores how human beings went from being one of many life forms to being the dominant life form on the planet. Al-Shamahi has been able to tell the story thanks to breakthroughs in DNA technology and fossil evidence. The reconstructions offer both educational value and a window into the evolutionary journey that shaped modern humans' origins and survival strategies. The 3D models revealed depict Homo floresiensis, Homo erectus, Homo neanderthalensis (Neanderthals), and the earliest known Homo sapiens. New images show scientific reconstructions of, on the left, Homo erectus, and, on the right, Homo floresiensis. New images show scientific reconstructions of, on the left, Homo erectus, and, on the right, Homo floresiensis. BBC Studios Early Human Species Brought to Life: Homo erectus lived between 1.89 million and 110,000 years ago, was the first to walk with a modern gait, and likely used fire. Originally native to Africa, they later migrated into Asia and possibly Europe. lived between 1.89 million and 110,000 years ago, was the first to walk with a modern gait, and likely used fire. Originally native to Africa, they later migrated into Asia and possibly Europe. Homo floresiensis , dubbed "the Hobbit" for its small stature, existed from around 700,000 to 50,000 years ago. Their remains have been found only on the Indonesian island of Flores. , dubbed "the Hobbit" for its small stature, existed from around 700,000 to 50,000 years ago. Their remains have been found only on the Indonesian island of Flores. Homo neanderthalensis (Neanderthals) emerged about 430,000 years ago and survived until roughly 40,000 years ago. They adapted to cold Eurasian environments and interbred with Homo sapiens. (Neanderthals) emerged about 430,000 years ago and survived until roughly 40,000 years ago. They adapted to cold Eurasian environments and interbred with Homo sapiens. Earliest Homo sapiens fossils originate from Jebel Irhoud in Morocco, dating to about 300,000 years ago, showing features that bridge earlier hominins and modern humans. On the left, an image of an early Homo sapien, while on the right, an image shows a Neanderthal. On the left, an image of an early Homo sapien, while on the right, an image shows a Neanderthal. BBC Studios The models were crafted using photogrammetry, fossil data, and the latest advances in archaeological science to depict what these species may have looked like tens of thousands of years ago. The series will feature five episodes: The First of Us, Into the Unknown, Last Humans Standing, Discovering the Americas and A Great Gamble. What People Are Saying Paleoanthropologist Ella Al-Shamahi told the BBC: "For millennia we have been the most dominant form of life on this planet, so it is easy to think that we were always destined for greatness. But a revolution in ancient DNA technology and the latest fossil finds from dig sites across the world are forcing us to accept that our species' story is far more extraordinary than we could ever imagine." What's Next The series will debut on July 14.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Oldest known human fingerprint discovered on ancient Neanderthal artwork – with help from Spain's forensic police
A unique archaeological find has recently expanded our knowledge of Neanderthals' capacity for symbolic thought. The object in question is a granite stone, on which a red ochre dot was deliberately applied to reinforce the image of a human face. It is, to date, the oldest example of portable art associated with Neanderthals. The most remarkable aspect of this discovery was the identification of a fingerprint in the pigment, at a level we have unequivocally dated to more than 42,000 years ago. The fingerprint means the find is direct evidence of a symbolic action that we can attribute to a Neanderthal human (Homo neanderthalensis). This discovery is the fruit of over two years of research, and was published in May 2025 in Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences. In addition to the team of archaeologists and geologists, our paper was co-authored by members of the Central Identification Unit of the General Commissary of Scientific Police, whose contributions were vital to the work's success. The red-spotted stone was found at the Abrigo de San Lázaro archaeological site – in the Eresma river valley, downstream from the Spanish city of Segovia – where we found remains of occupations of the last European Neanderthals. The stone was in a level where we have previously found Mousterian (Middle Paleolithic) industry. These are stone tools clearly associated with Neanderthal occupations, such as those documented in the known areas of Abrigo del Molino and other nearby sites. In our study, we hypothesise that the object was chosen and collected from the riverbed because of its peculiar natural features. Put simply, it looks like a human face. Facial pareidolia, the psychological phenomenon whereby we perceive faces in inanimate objects, identifies the upper and lower indentations as eyes and a mouth in the stone. The application of red pigment to make a nose reinforces the perception of a face, and acts as a symbolically charged visual marker. The possibility that we are dealing with a symbolic representation of a human face adds a particularly significant interpretative dimension to the archaeological find. Leer más: One of the most remarkable aspects of this research was its cross-disciplinary collaboration between archaeologists, geoarchaeologists and members of the General Commissary of the Spanish Scientific Police. To reach our conclusions, a combination of techniques were applied to the object. First, we performed detailed 3D mapping using high-precision scanners and digital models, which helped to rule out that the stone had served any any functional purpose, such as that of an anvil or hammer. We then carried out non-invasive analyses, such as X-ray fluorescence and scanning electron microscopy. The results confirmed that the red pigment was externally applied ochre, as opposed to a natural mark resulting from the decomposition of minerals in the granite itself. But the most surprising breakthrough came from multispectral analysis. This is a well-known technique that the Spanish General Commissary of Scientific Police developed and adapted specifically for the study of the stone. By using this method, Samuel Miralles Mosquera, a forensic imaging expert, revealed a fingerprint that was invisible to the naked eye, printed directly into the pigment. The image was later analyzed by M° Carmen Sastre Barrio, Encarnación Nieva Gómez, M° Remedios Díaz Delgado and Elena Ruiz Mediavilla, identification specialists of the same team. They confirmed that it matched the fingerprint of an adult human male. Their work allowed for the identification of the fingerprint with a previously unprecedented level of detail in the context of Paleolithic study. Their help made the research a pioneering reference in the field of applying archaeology and forensic identification to prehistoric times. It provides a new window on the symbolic world of the Neanderthals, and opens new avenues for the study of their artistic expression, their visual sensitivity and their capacity for abstraction. Combining these scientific techniques reinforces the authenticity of the find, and underlines its exceptional nature. It is one of the most complete physical testimonies of a symbolic act performed by a Neanderthal, whose fingerprint was deliberately left in the pigment. Who would have imagined that, more than 40,000 years later, not even Neanderthals could escape being identified by forensic scientists. Leer más: The origin of humans' symbolic behaviour – and with it the emergence of art itself – is one of the most hotly debated questions in research on humankind's cognitive evolution. While both phenomena did not emerge simultaneously, they are deeply interconnected, since the capacity for symbolic thought is ultimately the foundation of all forms of artistic expression. For decades, it was claimed that this ability was exclusive to 'modern' or present-day human beings (Homo sapiens). However, the development of new methodologies and the discovery of increasingly solid evidence have challenged this view to the point of refuting it. There is now a growing consensus that Neanderthals also possessed a complex symbolic repertoire, manifested through modified objects, use of pigments, ritual behaviours and other unambiguously symbolic expressions. One of the key milestones in this shift in opinion was the publication – in the journal Science in 2018 – of the dating of several cave paintings found in three Spanish caves: Ardales, La Pasiega and Maltravieso. These were the first paintings with a symbolic character attributed to Neanderthals. They included simple, geometric shapes, including discernible patterns. Their study revealed the ability of this human group to deliberately generate symbolic images charged with shared meaning. While the representations are simple, they appear repeatedly in different places on the walls of the caves. To this list of findings, we can now add the work of another anonymous Neanderthal. This male, one of Europe's last Neanderthal inhabitants, saw a face on a rock collected from the river, intentionally painted a red dot with ochre, and left his mark on history. Este artículo fue publicado originalmente en The Conversation, un sitio de noticias sin fines de lucro dedicado a compartir ideas de expertos académicos. Lee mas: Neanderthals: the oldest art in the world wasn't made by Homo sapiens Neanderthal remains found in France reveals there were not one, but at least two lineages of late Neanderthals in Europe How Neanderthal language differed from modern human – they probably didn't use metaphors Miguel Angel Mate Gonzalez has received funding from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033) via a Ramón y Cajal grant (RYC2021-034813-I), co-financed by the EU's 'NextGenerationEU'/PRTR programme. Andrés Díez Herrero, David Álvarez Alonso y María de Andrés-Herrero no reciben salarios, ni ejercen labores de consultoría, ni poseen acciones, ni reciben financiación de ninguna compañía u organización que pueda obtener beneficio de este artículo, y han declarado carecer de vínculos relevantes más allá del puesto académico citado.
DW
02-06-2025
- Science
- DW
The Last Neanderthal – DW – 06/02/2025
Did Homo sapiens and Neanderthals share the same habitat for a long period of time? Excavations by a French research team at the Mandrin Cave suggest as much. The researchers' work has yielded even more astonishing findings. Neanderthals (Homo neanderthalensis) are a species of human that lived in Europe and Asia alongside modern humans (Homo sapiens) and became extinct around 40,000 years ago. Image: Arte France The extinction of the Neanderthals, the one species that dominated the Eurasian continent prior to the arrival of Homo sapiens, is one of the most puzzling topics in archeology. How were these two hominids connected? Was Homo sapiens partially responsible for the eradication of the Neandertals from planet Earth? Or did the two potentially coexist over several millennia? Image: Arte France A team of researchers led by archaeologist Ludovic Slimak are working in the Mandrin Cave to answer these very questions. Their findings are being examined by scientists from the French research organization CNRS, using state-of-the-art archaeological methods. Neanderthals probably lived in isolated groups. They therefore lacked the necessary genetic exchange that has greatly helped modern humans. This inbreeding could have been fatal. Image: Arte France The Mandrin Cave has been the focus of several excavations since 1991. In 2015, a new discovery was made: Fossilized remains from the late Neanderthal period. The individual belonged to one of the last Neanderthal lineages. The scientists succeeded in extracting genetic material from the root of one of 'Thorin's' molars, which could then be analysed. Image: Arte France The archaeologists dubbed him "Thorin'. The find suggests that for a long time, Neanderthals lived very close to the newly arrived Homo sapiens - and that the two groups probably crossed paths. Image: Arte France Ludovic Slimak and the scientists from the French research organization CNRS provide an insight into the extraordinary results of their work. Broadcasting Hours: DW English WED 11.06.2025 – 01:15 UTC WED 11.06.2025 – 04:15 UTC THU 12.06.2025 – 09:15 UTC THU 12.06.2025 – 16:15 UTC THU 12.06.2025 – 21:15 UTC FRI 13.06.2025 – 12:15 UTC SAT 14.06.2025 – 02:15 UTC SUN 15.06.2025 – 08:15 UTC Lagos UTC +1 | Cape Town UTC +2 | Nairobi UTC +3 Delhi UTC +5,5 | Bangkok UTC +7 | Hong Kong UTC +8 London UTC +1 | Berlin UTC +2 | Moscow UTC +3 San Francisco UTC -7 | Edmonton UTC -6 | New York UTC -4
