Posted on 03/13/2018 11:05:35 PM PDT by SunkenCiv
They have an unwarranted image as brutish and uncaring, but new research has revealed just how knowledgeable and effective Neanderthal healthcare was. The study, by the University of York, reveals that Neanderthal healthcare was uncalculated and highly effective -- challenging our notions that they were brutish compared to modern humans. The researchers argue that the care provided was widespread and should be seen as a "compassionate and knowledgeable response to injury and illness." It is well known that Neanderthals sometimes provided care for the injured, but new analysis by the team at York suggest they were genuinely caring of their peers, regardless of the level of illness or injury, rather than helping others out of self-interest. Lead author, Dr Penny Spikins, senior lecturer in the Archaeology of Human Origin at the University of York, said: "Our findings suggest Neanderthals didn't think in terms of whether others might repay their efforts, they just responded to their feelings about seeing their loved ones suffering." Most of the individuals archaeologists know about had a severe injury of some kind, with detailed pathologies highlighting a range of debilitating conditions and injuries. In some cases the injuries occurred long before death and would have required monitoring, massage, fever management and hygiene care, the study suggests. Analysis of a male aged around 25-40 at time of death revealed a catalogue of poor heath, including a degenerative disease of the spine and shoulders. His condition would have sapped his strength over the final 12 months of life and severely restricted his ability to contribute to the group. Yet, the authors of the study argue he remained part of the group as his articulated remains were subsequently carefully buried.
(Excerpt) Read more at york.ac.uk ...
are Neanderthals black yet, like Cheddar Man?
don’t spoil the story by pointing that out.
This book reveals at least seven extinct humans.
Since this book was written, another extinct human was discovered, Denisovans.
(Yup, you're part Densisovan too. The Tibetians inherited their 'high-altitude' gene from them.)
"When our ancestors first migrated out of Africa around 60,000 years ago, they were not alone. At least two of our hominid cousins had made the same journey—Neanderthals and Denisovans. "
First Modern Britons Had 'Dark To Black' Skin, Cheddar Man DNA Analysis Reveals
My hunch is no.
I say give them time, they’ll get there yet.
I’m here, so, yeah, we have.
Anyway, Cave Bob Ross there looks downright huggable with that twinkly little smile. I bet he took some red ochre and created a few happy little aurochs in his day. :)
One of the questions that I have is why is their is a great physiological difference between us and them? Look at the bones for this one. Homo Erectis is closer to Neanderthal than we are physically as are other early Homo, some radical change going on.
Another is why is their tool arts making so static?
Why is their population density so low?
The Neandertal Enigma"Frayer's own reading of the record reveals a number of overlooked traits that clearly and specifically link the Neandertals to the Cro-Magnons. One such trait is the shape of the opening of the nerve canal in the lower jaw, a spot where dentists often give a pain-blocking injection. In many Neandertal, the upper portion of the opening is covered by a broad bony ridge, a curious feature also carried by a significant number of Cro-Magnons. But none of the alleged 'ancestors of us all' fossils from Africa have it, and it is extremely rare in modern people outside Europe." [pp 126-127]
by James Shreeve
in local libraries
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