The Ancients The Last Neanderthals
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Feb 16, 2025 
In this engaging discussion, Chris Stringer, a leading expert in human evolution from the Natural History Museum, delves into the world of Neanderthals. He explores how these ancient beings thrived across diverse climates while facing their eventual decline against emerging Homo sapiens. The podcast highlights fascinating evidence of interbreeding, revealing traces of Neanderthal DNA in modern humans. Stringer further shares groundbreaking archaeological insights that challenge our understanding of Neanderthal intelligence, social dynamics, and their complex legacy.
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Neanderthal Range and Adaptation
- Neanderthals lived across Eurasia for hundreds of thousands of years, adapting to various climates.
- Despite once thriving in warm conditions alongside elephants and hippos, their fossil record is strongest in Europe.
DNA Evidence for Neanderthals
- DNA evidence, including from cave sediments, helps map Neanderthal range and activities.
- Even without fossils, traces like urine or birth remnants can reveal Neanderthal presence.
Neanderthal Genetic Diversity
- Neanderthals, despite their wide range, showed low genetic diversity in their later years.
- This suggests a decline in population and potential inbreeding.