How Neanderthals managed to survive the harsh Ice age still remains for scientists unfinished mystery. Until 2018, it was known that for survival they have adopted several strategies, including group hunting of large game, sharing the upbringing of children and the use of food. A new study published in the scientific journal Quaternary Science Reviews shows that the Neanderthals largely survived thanks to the care of each other.
The study conducted by professors from York University. According to them, due to active hunting and the risk of running into predators, injuries were an integral part of the lives of Neanderthals. If they ignored the wounded and treated them as an unnecessary burden, they would simply not have survived. As a rule, Neanderthals kept groups, and the loss of even one member was considered a disaster.
We believe that caring about each other was not just a cultural trait, and adaptation to the unique conditions of living alongside carnivores. Mutual aid may have helped Neanderthals to occupy the niche of predators. explained penny Spikins, one of the study’s authors.
To prove his claim, the researchers examined the remains of 30 of the Neanderthals. The specimens showed the wounds of moderate or severe that, according to paleontologists, was subsequently cured. The probability that the wounded could survive without outside help, is extremely small.
A good example was the Neanderthal found in a cave Shanidar. He, being blind in one eye, was stripped of his right hand and wounded in the leg. Despite this, he was alive even in his 40s, which was a good result by the standards of the Stone age. Also notable is the remains of Neanderthal man of La Chapelle-aux-Saints 1, which survived in the apparent symptoms of osteoarthritis.
The researchers also think that the Neanderthals had their own midwives. Difficult childbirth can be a frequent occurrence due to the shape of the pelvis and head sizes of infants.
It is believed that to treat the wounded used various methods depending on the severity of the injuries. For example, severe injuries like broken feet required a change of the position of the bones, careful hygiene, and in some cases prevent blood loss.
In future research the authors want to find out more, what methods of treatment used by the Neanderthals. Also im wondering what time they started to care. What do you think about this? Share in our Telegram chat.
The Neanderthals survived the Ice age thanks to the care
Ramis Ganiev