The Neanderthal is considered one of the closest relatives to modern humans, and its story continues to spark curiosity and motivate scientific studies. While roaming through Europe and Asia, they mysteriously disappeared around the same time that modern humans arrived in Europe. Scientists raise fundamental questions about the last groups of Neanderthals and their locations, which are particularly linked to the Iberian Peninsula. In this article, we will review the evidence that suggests this region may have been their last habitat, exploring a range of exciting archaeological discoveries that shed light on their lives and lifestyles amid changing environmental challenges. Let’s delve into the details of these discoveries and explore the mystery surrounding the last days of the Neanderthals.
Who are the Neanderthals?
Neanderthals are considered one of the human species that lived during prehistoric times, belonging to the genus Homo. Evidence has shown that Neanderthals lived in the continents of Europe and Asia, characterized by many distinctive features such as a thick skull and a broad face. However, it’s interesting that Neanderthals possessed natural hunting abilities and made use of stone tools for survival.
Neanderthals lived about 400,000 years ago until their extinction, which is believed to have occurred around 40,000 years ago. Some evidence has shown that they shared their environment with modern humans (Homo sapiens) in some areas, suggesting the possibility of interaction between the two species. Moreover, recent genetic studies indicate that most modern humans carry a genome containing about 2% of Neanderthal DNA, suggesting genetic lineages and hereditary links between them.
Where did the last Neanderthals live?
There is confusion among scientists about where the last Neanderthals lived. Archaeological evidence suggests that the Iberian Peninsula, which includes parts of Spain and Portugal, was one of the possible places for the survival of the last Neanderthals. Mousterian tools, which are stone tools made by this species, have been found in multiple sites in southern Iberia, indicating that these areas were a refuge for them away from climatic developments that affected other parts of Europe.
One of the most notable potential sites is the Gorham’s Cave located in Gibraltar, where a study using carbon dating has shown that tools made during later periods were found, which may indicate the presence of diverse social organizations and diversity in the forest environment. Despite this evidence, its dating accuracy varies, complicating the matter somewhat due to the poorly studied excavation processes that occurred previously.
Techniques used in Neanderthal studies
The study of archaeological works related to Neanderthals requires the use of advanced techniques to ensure accurate results. These techniques heavily rely on radiocarbon analysis. This ensures the precise dating of when those tools and materials existed, requiring uncontaminated layers of archaeological materials to make these studies accurate.
When evaluating tools found at sites such as Gorham’s Cave, archaeologists have been able to use advanced tools such as mathematical models and modern dating techniques to obtain reliable results. Through these methods, researchers have succeeded in overturning existing doubts about this cave as the last refuge for Neanderthals. However, re-evaluating the dates using the latest technologies has had a significant impact on the prevailing perceptions regarding this topic.
Have we witnessed the end of the Neanderthals?
One of the fundamental questions concerning the extinction of Neanderthals is whether their extinction was a direct consequence of the emergence of modern humans or whether it resulted from some form of integration between species. Research has shown that several kinds of human societies seemed to interact with Neanderthals, raising new questions regarding the mechanisms of their extinction.
The interactions
The human population that thrived suggests perhaps the existence of an increasing social power, which may contribute to their inability to survive. There are also indications that climate change and other environmental factors played a role in their extinction, as environmental challenges and resource scarcity have sounded the alarm about their continued existence.
Were there small groups of Neanderthals still alive?
The last question relates to whether small groups of Neanderthals could have existed after their supposed extinction. There is a hypothesis that a specific group may have lived in remote areas and were not subjected to large numbers of injuries, which means it is possible that some individuals survived longer than usual. However, current research allows us a more accurate understanding of both diverse communities and Neanderthals.
Promising studies may provide new facts about the existence of Neanderthals in fragmented or fleeing groups, which will help build a better picture of how they interacted with the environment and other species, and how these interactions could have influenced their survival. Through technological advancements, we will uncover more about the mysterious history of this human species, which will highlight its impact on us as humans, while we still try to adapt to their ways of daily life.
Source link: https://www.livescience.com/archaeology/who-was-the-last-neanderthal
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