Instant Genius: Neanderthals
Showing items 1 to 19 of 19
The Human BodyEarly human shows signs of right-handedness
Cut marks on teeth suggest human evolution developed handedness 1.8 million years ago.
The Human BodyWhy did the Neanderthals die out?
We once lived alongside Neanderthals, but interbreeding, climate change, or violent clashes with rival Homo sapiens led to their demise.
Science newsFossilised skull reveals face of early human ancestor
The skull belonged to the oldest-known member of Australopithecus – a group of east African hominins that preceded the emergence of the Homo genus by around two million years.
Science newsThe invention of spears and bows and arrows may have helped early humans drive Neanderthals to extinction
Early humans' complex weaponry helped them out-compete their cousins.
The Human BodyDid humans and Neanderthals interbreed?
Homo Neanderthalensis may have gone extinct, but a part of them still lives on inside our DNA.
Science newsGreat apes probably smarter than early human Australopithecus species
Despite having a similar-sized brain to modern apes, scientists believe Australopithecus had a lower rate of blood flow to the brain.
Science newsEarly humans tucking into cooked carbs as long as 170,000 years ago
Archaeologists have found charred remains of starchy plant parts at an archaeological site in South Africa.
Science newsEarly humans feasted on fish in the Sahara Desert 10,000 years ago
Archaeologists excavated bones of fish, toads, frogs, crocodiles and birds from the Tadrart Acacus mountains in the Saharan Desert.
Everyday scienceWhy did the Neanderthals go extinct?
Although we are descended from Neanderthals, the species does not exist today – it might help the future of homo-sapiens to understand why.
The Human BodyHuman diseases from Africa could have wiped out Neanderthals
DNA opens up new theory as to how disease spread from Africa to Europe and from Homo sapiens to Neanderthals.
The Human BodyHuman population purged Neanderthal genes
Current levels of Neanderthal inheritance in modern humans a result of long-term difference in population sizes.
NatureCould we clone a Neanderthal?
The Neanderthal, also known as homo neanderthalensis, could be up for making a come-back.
Science newsNeanderthals weren't the strong, strapping cavepeople we imagine
Neanderthals were often ill or disabled, and many were cared for by the group.
Science newsNeanderthals may have died out without help from modern humans
Inbreeding and declining health in small populations could account for the Neanderthals' demise.
The Human BodyAre we descended from Neanderthals?
Homo neanderthalensis was a close cousin, but not our ancestor.
Science newsNeanderthals collected shells at the beach, just like us
Archaeologists have found a collection of seashells and volcanic rock once owned by Neanderthals in Grotta dei Moscerini in central Italy.
Science newsNeanderthal ancestry found in African populations' DNA for the first time
Researchers estimate that Europeans and Asians to have more equal levels of Neanderthal ancestry than previously thought, and say that for the first time they have found evidence in African populations too.
Planet EarthShanidar skeleton discovery sheds light on Neanderthal 'flower burial'
Pollen found around 70,000-year-old remains reopens the debate as to whether ancient humans buried their dead.
