Neanderthals have been a topic of intense scientific discussion for years, mainly due to the unanswered questions surrounding their existence and disappearance.

A recent study from the University of Michigan, published in Science Advances, suggests that Neanderthals may have gone extinct due to astrophysical reasons.

Conducted by Agnit Mukhopadhyay, an expert in space physics, the research proposes that a shift in the Earth's magnetic poles around 41,000 years ago, known as the Laschamp event, could have contributed to the demise of Neanderthals.

The weakening of the Earth's magnetic field during this event allowed for increased cosmic and ultraviolet radiation penetration, creating harsh environmental conditions that Neanderthals were unable to survive, giving Homo sapiens an advantage.

Homo sapiens Advantage

In comparison, Homo sapiens might have had an upper hand over Neanderthals due to their potential use of well-fitted clothing, ochre for sun protection, and seeking shelter in caves, which were habitats shared by both species.

While the hypothesis is intriguing and based on innovative models of the Earth's geospatial system during that period, further examination is required to validate its scope and underlying assumptions.

Tight-fitting Clothes and Sewing Needles

The hypothesis suggests that Neanderthals did not wear close-fitting clothing, leaving them more vulnerable to solar radiation. However, the absence of sewing needles does not necessarily mean they did not have some form of clothing, as evidenced by their hide processing techniques.

Moreover, the use of fur or clothing predates the invention of sewing needles, indicating that Neanderthals likely utilized alternative methods to protect themselves from the cold.

Prehistoric Sunscreen

The study also mentions the use of ochre by Homo sapiens for sun protection, but the application of ochre has been documented in Neanderthal contexts as well, suggesting that its use was not exclusive to our species.

Sapiens Outnumbered Neanderthals

Another significant factor in Neanderthals' decline could have been the difference in population size, with Homo sapiens outnumbering them and potentially assimilating Neanderthals into their populations instead of causing their extinction.

Technology, such as hunting weapons, may have also played a role in the competitive advantage of Homo sapiens over Neanderthals.

No Scientific Evidence

While the hypothesis linking Neanderthals' extinction to their inability to adapt to increased solar radiation during the Laschamp event is thought-provoking, the lack of concrete evidence supporting this theory calls for a more comprehensive approach to understanding the disappearance of Neanderthals.

Neanderthals were a resilient and culturally sophisticated species that survived various climatic changes and challenges for hundreds of thousands of years, indicating that their extinction was likely not solely due to astrophysical factors.

Integrating multiple lines of evidence from archaeology, paleoanthropology, and genetics is crucial to unraveling the mystery of Neanderthals' extinction.

Source: ScienceAlert