Interbreeding - and not lack of intelligence, killed the Neanderthals, scientists say
By Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)
4/30/2014 (3 years ago)
Catholic Online (www.catholic.org)
Anthropologists had previously theorized that Neanderthals died out because they were mentally, technologically and culturally inferior to the ascending Homo Sapiens and were unable to compete for limited resources. New theories suggest it's more likely that they disappeared 40,000 years ago on account of interbreeding and assimilation with our early modern human ancestors.
New evidence proves that Neanderthals made effective tools and weapons, wore ornaments such as eagle claws, used ochre and pitch, ate plants and fish as well as big game and created organized living spaces in their caves - all of this happening before the arrival of modern humans.
LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - Neanderthals are often thought of as dim-witted evolutionary losers. New archaeological evidence dating back 200,000 years now reveals that this breed of human was far more advanced and sophisticated than has widely been thought.
U.S. and Dutch researchers say the differences between the two human sub-species are not enough to account for the demise of the Neanderthals.
Dr. Paola Villa, from the University of Colorado Museum along with Professor Wil Roebroeks, from Leiden University say that "Genetic studies now suggest that the debate on the demise of the Neanderthals needs to be reframed in terms of some degree of interbreeding.
"In that sense, Neanderthals did not go extinct, even though their distinctive morphology did disappear.
"We conclude that all the 'archaeology-based' explanations for the demise of the Neanderthals... are flawed."
Neanderthals thrived in Eurasia for 300,000 years. They vanished around 40,000 years ago as early modern humans began to settle in Europe.
New evidence proves that Neanderthals made effective tools and weapons, wore ornaments such as eagle claws, used ochre and pitch, ate plants and fish as well as big game and created organized living spaces in their caves - all of this happening before the arrival of modern humans. In conclusion, these behaviors could not have been copied from them.
Scientists also pointed out that 200,000 years ago, Neanderthals were using fire to produce pitch from tree bark.
Experiments showed that the process required high temperatures and an oxygen-free environment such as an enclosed pot, suggesting a high level of technical knowledge.
When did the Neanderthals stumble and fall? Neanderthal DNA sequenced in 2010 shows clear evidence of interbreeding. Neanderthals and early modern humans are most likely to have interbred in Europe and the Middle East around 50,000 years ago.
Neanderthal inheritance is estimated to make up between one percent and four percent of the DNA of people outside of the African continent.
Interbreeding could be one reason why Neanderthals vanished. They were not so much driven to extinction as assimilated.
Copyright 2017 - Distributed by THE CALIFORNIA NETWORK
Pope Francis Prayer Intentions for OCTOBER 2017
Workers and the Unemployed. That all workers may receive respect and protection of their rights, and that the unemployed may receive the opportunity to contribute to the common good.
September 23 is a worrisome date for millions of people who believe that a massive planet will affect the Earth as it passes by in space. ... continue reading
Scientists plan to send a signal into deep space to see if aliens are out there. However, experts warn we could endanger humanity by doing ... continue reading
Goodbye to Cassini, the space probe that was launched in 1997 and spent six years travelling, and over thirteen years exploring Saturn and ... continue reading
Is the end of Google near? Internet giant may soon become target of anti-trust laws around the world Watch
Google is getting too big for its own good, or so some experts are warning. Talk of anti-trust measures against the internet giant is ... continue reading
UFO Seekers use a telescope to capture images of the secret Area 51 base where people can be SHOT on sight Watch
Hikers and UFO enthusiasts have captured clear, new images of the secretive Area 51 base in Nevada using a telescope and camera. The photos ... continue reading
by Catholic Online
- Sorry, there's no science to support 'transgender therapy' for kids
- Martin Luther would be horrified - The reformer had no intention of ...
- Virgin Mary appears to Hindu schoolchildren in India, miracles ...
- Daily Readings for Tuesday, October 17, 2017
- U.S. drills for mass evacuation of Americans from South Korea, but ...
- Daily Reading for Wednesday, October 18th, 2017 HD Video
- St. Ignatius of Antioch: Saint of the Day for Tuesday, October 17, 2017
- Intro to Novena to the Saints in Heaven for the saints on earth HD
- Trump ends taxpayer giveaway to insurance companies HD
- Daily Reading for Tuesday, October 17th, 2017 HD
- Daily Reading for Monday, October 16th, 2017 HD
Learn about Catholic world
Inform - Inspire - Ignite
Catholic Online Saints
Your saints explained
Catholic Online Prayers
Prayers for every need
Catholic Online Bible
Complete bible online
Catholic Online News
Your news Catholic eye
Today's bible reading
Products and services we offer
Catholic Online Shopping
Catholic medals, gifts & books
The California Network
Inspiring streaming service
Learn the Catholic way