A recent discovery in southern France might shed light on the long-standing mystery of why Neanderthals vanished. The unearthing of a Neanderthal’s remains in a cave has revealed intriguing insights.
In 2015, archaeologist Ludovic Slimak discovered five teeth in Grotte Mandrin, a rock shelter located in France’s Rhône Valley. These teeth, which belonged to a Neanderthal nicknamed Thorin, were the first intact remains of the ancient species found in the country since 1979.
The discovery of Thorin was significant because it highlighted discrepancies between genetic and archaeological data. While genetic analysis suggested that Thorin was 105,000 years old, the archaeological context indicated an age between 40,000 to 50,000 years.
The research, published in the journal Cell Genomics, revealed that Thorin belonged to a group of Neanderthals isolated from others for around 50,000 years. This isolation caused Thorin’s DNA to appear older than it was.
Grotte Mandrin is unique in that it hosted alternating groups of both Homo sapiens and Neanderthals. The study showed that at least two Neanderthal populations existed nearby, coexisting without exchanging genes.
The small, insular nature of Neanderthal communities might have played a critical role in their extinction. Lack of genetic variation and limited social interaction could have impaired their ability to adapt to changing environments or diseases.
Notably, Thorin had two extra lower molars, a trait often linked to inbreeding. The absence of interbreeding between Neanderthals and Homo sapiens further compounded their isolation, contributing to their decline.
The research team faced considerable challenges in aligning genetic data with archaeological evidence. It took almost a decade of analysis, considering various factors such as climate and isotopic composition, to resolve the discrepancies.
Excavations at Grotte Mandrin are ongoing, with archaeologists meticulously examining the site. The discovery has so far yielded 31 teeth, part of a jaw, and five finger bones, providing valuable insights into Neanderthal life.
The findings suggest that Neanderthal extinction was due not just to competition with Homo sapiens but also to inherent vulnerabilities due to their isolated populations. Such isolation likely led to a demographic collapse.
The discovery in Grotte Mandrin has provided a deeper understanding of Neanderthal extinction. It highlights the role of genetic isolation and competition in their decline, offering new perspectives on human prehistory.
