Neanderthal Extinction Linked to Lack of Prolonged Childcare
A recent study analyzing teeth from Neanderthals and Upper Palaeolithic humans suggests that one of the reasons for the extinction of Neanderthals could be linked to the lack of prolonged childcare. The research indicates that human children had prolonged support from their parents, while Neanderthal kids were left to fend for themselves. The study found that Neanderthal children were more likely to experience malnutrition after the weaning period, leading to increased stress during childhood. On the other hand, human children showed enamel defects around the ages of weaning, suggesting a different approach to childcare that may have contributed to the long-term survival advantages of modern humans over Neanderthals.
Differences in Post-Weaning Childcare Strategies between Neanderthals and Humans
The study authors propose that Neanderthals and Upper Palaeolithic humans had different post-weaning childcare strategies, with humans showing a better reduction of stress in later childhood. While Upper Palaeolithic humans may have encouraged prolonged dependence on parents and provided access to food, Neanderthals might have promoted earlier independence in children. This difference in childcare strategies could have played a role in the survival and eventual extinction of Neanderthals compared to modern humans. The findings highlight the importance of social factors and support in mitigating stress during childhood development.
Impact of Childcare Strategies on Neanderthal Extinction
The research suggests that the lack of effective post-weaning childcare strategies among Neanderthals could have contributed to their extinction. Neanderthal children facing malnutrition and increased stress during childhood may not have had the same level of support and resources as human children. The study emphasizes the role of prolonged parental support, efficient resource exploitation, and access to food in reducing developmental stress in human children after weaning. These factors may have given modern humans a survival advantage over Neanderthals, ultimately leading to the extinction of the Neanderthal species around 40,000 years ago.
