The common belief that Neanderthals were unintelligent beings is being disproven by new research. Evidence suggests that they were skilled hunters, tool makers, and possibly even provided medical care. A recent study has shed light on the compassionate nature of Neanderthals by examining the remains of a child with Down syndrome.
The study focused on Neanderthal skull fragments discovered in 1989, revealing that the child had Down syndrome. Despite living in a challenging environment over 100,000 years ago, the child lived to be six years old. This is the oldest known case of Down syndrome, indicating that the condition has deep evolutionary roots.
Researchers named the child “Tina” and found abnormalities in the inner ear structure consistent with Down syndrome. This likely caused hearing and balance issues for Tina. Down syndrome is a genetic disorder characterized by physical features like a flat facial profile and intellectual disabilities.
The fact that Tina survived for six years suggests that the Neanderthal social group provided care and support. This challenges previous beliefs that Neanderthal caregiving was based on selfish motives. The care Tina received indicates a level of compassion and social cooperation among Neanderthals.
The findings of the study were published in the journal Science Advances. This research highlights the shared heritage and evolutionary continuity between Neanderthals and modern humans. Understanding the compassionate nature of Neanderthals helps us appreciate the complexity of their social behavior and the depth of their interactions within their communities.
