I'm sure that would be a most interesting speculation, don. But I confess my real interest in this question is the succession, or transition, of one to the other, and why that transition was successful.
We do not get that sort of information from the consideration of biological data alone. Or so it seems to me.
Hmmm, -- are you suggesting that we can surmise why our species survived without using scientific data?
btw.. What would be your reaction if were proved that Neanderthal genes live on in modern humans? That hybrid vigor contributed to our 'successful transition'?
Why do we need such data, when we clearly and readily see that we have "survived?" (Otherwise you wouldn't be around to ask this question, nor me to reply to it.)
What would be your reaction if were proved that Neanderthal genes live on in modern humans?
If Neanderthals were actually protohuman (which designation seems to cover a whole lot these days), that wouldn't surpise me at all. And it seems they were.
Are these "trick questions," don?