6-year-old Neanderthal child with Down syndrome found in Spain indicates altruistic care among Neanderthals.
A fossilized skull fragment of a Neanderthal child, approximately 6 years old, discovered in Spain reveals evidence of Down syndrome. The finding suggests that Neanderthals provided altruistic care and support for a vulnerable community member, as the child's survival to age 6 is unusual for early hominins with congenital defects. This new research, published in Science Advances, sheds light on the collaborative and communal caregiving practices among Neanderthals.
June 26, 2024
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