New discovery about the primitive extinct Neanderthal

The Neanderthals, extinct relatives of modern humans are known to be primitive and rather clumsy.

However, after studying the burial customs of Neanderthals as well as the bones in excavated tombs, researchers from York University (UK) discovered that Neanderthals were very closely attached. , caring for each other and having complex social structures.

They are also good parents.

"Children are a very important part of Neanderthal society , " said Penny Spikins, a senior lecturer in archeology at York University.

York University's findings are in opposition to the previous concept in part because archaeologists have overlooked the study of children's bones found in Neanderthal tombs.

They were only interested in studying adult skeletons and putting infant and infant skeletons in boxes, leaving in the basement of museums and never keeping an eye on them. But these skeletons speak a lot.

Due to different mating species, Neanderthals have quite a set of genes like us.

Studies of Asian and European ancestors show that 1-2% of genomes originated from Neanderthals.

The society of Neanderthals also has characteristics like the primitive modern human society. They live in small, isolated family groups and have little contact with other groups.

Like modern humans, they live by hunting and gathering in cold environments.

Neanderthals are very interested in children and teach them what they need to know. They also take care of the sick and the injured, and when someone dies - usually children and babies - the funeral is thoughtfully and solemnly organized.

Most excavated skeletons show a relatively high mortality rate among minors, mostly due to hunting accidents, but evidence obtained by York scientists does not support the end. comment on.

The skeletons found in caves, where Neanderthals live, mean they have died at home. Many sick or injured people have been taken care of by other family members for many years before leaving.

Infant skeletons are the focus of attention, because more than one-third of Neanderthal tombs have bones of children under 4 years of age and are carefully mourning.

Some are buried with things like ignition stones - a very basic tool. Some are buried with animal bones arranged around. Even the burial place is carefully selected, often natural cracks in the cave.

These graves are important evidence of the tight family organization of Neanderthals.

A mass grave found in Spain has bones of 6 adults (3 males, 3 females), 2 minors and 1 infant, which can be killed by rock slides.

DNA analysis shows that they are related by blood. Three men are brothers and two of the children are the children of two women.

York University researchers believe that Neanderthal society is "coherent and coherent".

They live separately into groups and take care of each other.

High-level primates like apes have games for young children, and it is possible that Neanderthals also have games for children. The kids must have felt very safe when they were protected by their families.

'' Neanderthals have lived for thousands of years, more than the time our species had existed, relying solely on working together. They take care of each other and these traits are not possible if they are raised by irresponsible parents , " Spikins said.

This study is an affirmation of the work of Joao Zilhao, an archaeologist at the University of Barcelona, ​​one of the most active Neanderthal advocates of the good parenting.