Homo sapiens outlasted Neanderthals through stronger interconnectedness, study suggests
Updated
Updated · ScienceAlert · Apr 30
Homo sapiens outlasted Neanderthals through stronger interconnectedness, study suggests
12 articles · Updated · ScienceAlert · Apr 30
Researchers led by Ariane Burke of the University of Montreal and Cambridge modelled European habitats from 35,000 to 60,000 years ago using climate, geography and archaeological data.
They found Neanderthal populations were smaller and more isolated, while sapiens networks could share information, partnerships and territory access during crises, reducing vulnerability to environmental change.
The study, published in Quaternary Science Reviews, says the groups' ranges overlapped by up to 5%, weakening simple competition theories while leaving room for regional extinction or genetic assimilation.
If Neanderthals were our equals, what prevented them from building the large social networks that saved us?
Were Neanderthals genetically absorbed by ancient humans rather than being conquered in a war for survival?