Neanderthals could have died out because their bodies overheated

Telegraph ^ | 20 Dec 2008 | Richard Gray

[BGHater]

Neanderthals may have died out because their bodies overheated as the Earth grew warmer, according to new research.

Analysis of DNA obtained from Neanderthal remains has revealed key differences from modern humans that suggest their bodies produced excess heat.

While in the cold climate of an ice age this would have provided the species with an advantage, as the earth warmed they would have been less able to cope. Ultimately this would have caused their extinction around 24,000 years ago.

Scientists at Newcastle University have put forward the theory after examining a particular form of genetic material which was obtained from the fossilised bones of Neanderthals.

By comparing it with that found in modern humans, they discovered that Neanderthals had key differences in the sections responsible for producing energy in all living cells.

Professor Patrick Chinnery, a neurogeneticist at Newcastle University, believes the differences in this mitochondrial DNA could have caused Neanderthals to be inefficient at producing energy, meaning their cells leaked heat.

He said: "The question is why did Neanderthals disappear? There are lots of explanations to do with changes in climate and the food supply.

"Differences in these mitochondrial DNA sequences might explain why modern humans were able to survive while Neanderthals were not.

"We compared mitochondrial DNA sequences from Neanderthals that have been obtained by other researchers with a huge database of human sequences from around the world to see how different it was from modern humans.

"We found a number of differences within a certain part of the mitochondrial DNA that were quite unlike anything we see in modern humans.

"It is difficult to get a definitive answer, as it is rather like looking through a misty window. We can only get clues to what went on."

[autumnraine]

Thanks bigheadfred. I just really thought it was a funny show. Politics never entered my mind!

[Redcitizen]

Spontaneous Human Combustion!

[PA-RIVER]

Best post in 2008 award .... goes to Islander,

still laughing as I write this

[Islander7]

Thanks for your vote. Please hold the applause until the award ceremony is complete.

[Grimmy]

Neanderthals could have died out ‘cause they tasted like chicken.

[Max in Utah]

Neanderthals did not become extinct, they evolved.

Arrrgh! Nostrilus Horribilis!