September 11th, 2024

Neanderthals' social isolation may have sped up their extinction

A study reveals that Thorin, a Neanderthal from France, lived in isolation 40,000 to 45,000 years ago, with limited genetic diversity potentially contributing to their extinction and lack of social structures.

Read original articleLink Icon
Neanderthals' social isolation may have sped up their extinction

A recent study published in Cell Genomics has revealed that a Neanderthal, nicknamed Thorin, lived in an isolated community in the Rhône Valley, France, approximately 40,000 to 45,000 years ago. Genetic analysis of Thorin's remains, which were discovered in 2015, indicates that his lineage diverged from other Neanderthals around 100,000 years ago, suggesting a long period of genetic isolation. This isolation may have contributed to the Neanderthals' extinction, as limited genetic diversity can hinder adaptability to environmental changes and reduce social interactions. The study highlights that there were at least two distinct Neanderthal populations coexisting in Europe, with Thorin's group remaining cut off from others for about 50,000 years. The findings suggest that while early Homo sapiens formed mating networks to avoid inbreeding, Neanderthals did not exhibit similar social structures, potentially impacting their survival. The research underscores the importance of understanding Neanderthal population dynamics and their implications for extinction, which may have been influenced by climate change, competition, and social isolation.

- Thorin, a Neanderthal, lived in an isolated community in France around 40,000 to 45,000 years ago.

- Genetic analysis shows Thorin's lineage diverged from other Neanderthals about 100,000 years ago.

- Isolation may have limited genetic diversity and adaptability, contributing to Neanderthal extinction.

- The study indicates at least two distinct Neanderthal populations coexisted in Europe.

- Neanderthals lacked social structures seen in early Homo sapiens, potentially affecting their survival.

Related

Does a cave beneath Pembroke Castle hold key to fate of early Britons?

Does a cave beneath Pembroke Castle hold key to fate of early Britons?

A cave beneath Pembroke Castle in Wales, Wogan Cavern, unveils prehistoric treasures like ancient bones and tools. Scientists aim to understand Neanderthals' presence and Homo sapiens' settlement in Britain. Excavation promises valuable insights.

Denisovians Survived on Tibetan Plateau for 160k Years

Denisovians Survived on Tibetan Plateau for 160k Years

Researchers found 2,500+ bones in Baishiya Karst Cave, Tibetan Plateau, revealing Denisovans' 160,000-year presence. A rib dating 48,000-32,000 years ago sheds light on their survival strategies, hunting, and tool-making skills. The study underscores Denisovans' adaptation to high altitudes and changing climates, offering insights into their unique evolution.

Repeated plague infections across six generations of Neolithic Farmers

Repeated plague infections across six generations of Neolithic Farmers

Researchers found evidence of plague infections in Neolithic Scandinavian farmers over six generations. The study revealed widespread plague affecting 17% of the population, with ancestral genomic variations and insights into social structures and disease transmission.

Neanderthals did not go extinct, we assimilated them

Neanderthals did not go extinct, we assimilated them

A DNA study in Science reveals Neanderthals were assimilated by Homo sapiens, exchanging genetic contributions. Early encounters occurred 200,000 years ago, leading to Neanderthals' assimilation into sapiens genetics, impacting modern humans.

Neanderthals and humans interbred 47k years ago for 7k years, research suggests

Neanderthals and humans interbred 47k years ago for 7k years, research suggests

Recent research shows Neanderthals interbred with modern humans around 47,000 years ago, contributing 1-2% Neanderthal DNA in non-African populations, influencing traits and human evolution understanding.

Link Icon 5 comments
By @datameta - 5 months
Fascinating discovery. Bit of a nitpick/sanity check though:

"When compared to other previously sequenced Neanderthal genomes, Thorin’s genome most closely resembled an individual that was excavated roughly 1,000 miles to the northeast in Gibraltar. Slimak speculates that Thorin’s population likely migrated south to France from Gibraltar."

Shouldn't this be southwest and north, respectively, instead?

By @sorokod - 5 months
"We thus have 50 millennia during which two Neanderthal populations, living about 10 days’ walk from each other, coexisted while completely ignoring each other."

Nit: sexualy ignoring each other.

By @tropicalfruit - 5 months
“We thus have 50 millennia during which two Neanderthal populations, living about 10 days’ walk from each other, coexisted while completely ignoring each other."

note sure if :ignoring each other: or just unaware.

"We see evidence of early modern humans in Siberia forming so-called mating networks to avoid issues with inbreeding, while living in small communities, which is something we haven’t seen with Neanderthals.”

interesting when you consider that humans interbred with neanderthals.

By @tabtab - 5 months
"Sorry Grog, you weren't horney enough"
By @redsaz - 5 months
tl;dr: Neanderthals needed to go clubbing more.