Posted on 12/24/2003 7:31:32 AM PST by DeepDish
Neanderthals were shedding their sturdy physique and evolving in the direction of modern humans just before they disappeared from the fossil record. Newly-identified remains from Vindija in Croatia, which date to between 42,000 and 28,000 years ago, are more delicate than "classic" Neanderthals.
One controversial explanation is that these Neanderthals were interbreeding with modern humans in the region.
Details of the research appear in the Journal of Human Evolution.
Excavations also reveal the Vindija Neanderthals were developing advanced ways of making stone tools that mirror innovations elsewhere by modern humans (Homo sapiens).
(Excerpt) Read more at news.bbc.co.uk ...
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