The Neanderthal theory, your thoughts?

Post Reply New Topic

There is absolutely zero DNA evidence to support any connection between Homo sapiens sapiens and Homo neanderthalensis beyond their common ancestor. The two species' periods overlapped for about 20 ky, and for some of that they traveled in roughly the same areas of Europe and SW Asia, but there's no real evidence that the two species had any sort of interaction. Even when there is some interstratification of Neanderthal ("thal" is pronounced "tall", BTW) and modern human layers, when the strata can be proven to be undisturbed there is clear demarkation between the two, indicating a fairly long period of time between occupations.

Some researchers have suggested that the changes in the Neanderthal tool industry from Mousterian to Chatelperronian in France towards the end of the Neanderthal's existence (about 35 kya) argue for interaction between the two. They point to the creation of new tool types and the use of new materials, such as bone projectile points, and the creation of decorative items such as ivory rings as evidence of interaction with anatomically modern humans. However, these researchers tend to disregard evidence from other areas (such as very similar ivory ring blanks) that suggests that these innovations were part of a larger transitional period with similar manifestations in Neanderthal populations in areas where Homo sapiens sapiens had not yet arrived, as well as evidence that the Neanderthals were using completely different methods to produce their tools, which would tend to argue against their simply mimicking the new-comers.

Personally, I'm drawn to the theory that suggests that the changes in both Neanderthal and Homo sapiens sapiens culture that began around 42 kya or so were similar reactions in very similar populations to the same evolutionary stressor: a massive climatic change that occured at about the same time and changed the type of environment and food resources that were available to them. Sadly, the changes were simply too little to save the Neanderthals.

Don't get me wrong, Neanderthals were very cool. They just didn't contribute anything to our genetic code.

Patricia

I posted this article in the autism speaks board just because I know people are going to go nuts over it and probably get angry.
hehehe

Recently some scientists used forensics to recreate the size and shape of a Neanderthal vocal chord using the hyoid bone. Considering the shape of this and the length of the neck, they simulated potential sounds from a neanderthal. They will attempt to construct sentences in english as a neanderthal today would pronounce them. Unfortunately I had my sound turned off and didnt hear what they had so far.