summary: A new study documents the first occurrence of Down syndrome in a Neanderthal child named “Tina” found in Spain. Despite severe hearing loss and dizziness, Tina survived to at least age six and was well cared for by her group. The discovery highlights Neanderthals’ capacity for altruistic behavior.
Key Facts:
- First case: Documented cases of Down syndrome in Neanderthals.
- Evidence of careThe Neanderthals took great care of Tina.
- Research Methodology: A micro-CT scan was used to analyze and diagnose the condition.
sauce: Binghamton University
A new study published by an international interdisciplinary team of researchers, including professors from the State University of New York at Binghamton, documents the first documented cases of Down syndrome in Neanderthals and reveals their capacity to provide altruistic care and support to vulnerable members of their social groups.
The study, led by anthropologists from the Universities of Alcala and Valencia in Spain, examined the skeletal remains of a Neanderthal child, affectionately named “Tina,” found in Cova Negra, a cave in Valencia, Spain, long known for important Neanderthal discoveries.
“The excavations at Cova Negra are key to understanding the way of life of Neanderthals on the Mediterranean coast of the Iberian Peninsula and have allowed us to shed light on the type of habitation that occurred in these settlements, which were short-lived, had small populations and alternated with carnivores,” said Valentin Villaverde, professor of prehistory at the University of Valencia.
The researchers performed micro-computed tomography of a small skull fragment from the right temporal bone, including the ear, to reconstruct a three-dimensional model for measurement and analysis. Tina had a congenital pathology.
The inner ear disorder associated with Down’s syndrome caused severe hearing loss and dizziness. The patient survived to at least age 6, but likely required intensive care from other members of his social group.
“This is an exciting study. Combining rigorous archaeological excavations, modern medical imaging techniques and diagnostic criteria, we have documented Down syndrome in Neanderthals for the first time. These results have important implications for our understanding of Neanderthal behavior,” said Rolf Quam, professor of anthropology at Binghamton University..
Researchers have known for decades that Neanderthals cared for people with disabilities, but all known instances of social care among Neanderthals to date have involved adults, leading some scientists to suggest that this was not truly altruistic behaviour, but rather was more likely an exchange of mutual assistance between equals.
“What was previously unknown are cases of people receiving help even if they were unable to reciprocate, which would prove the existence of true altruism among Neanderthals. And that is exactly what the discovery of ‘Tina’ means,” said Mercedes Conde, professor at the University of Alcalá and lead author of the study.
About this evolutionary and social neuroscience research news
author: John Brel
sauce: Binghamton University
contact: John Brel – Binghamton University
image: This image is taken from Science Advances magazine.
Original Research: Open access.
“Surviving Children: Did Neanderthals Have Down Syndrome?” by Valentin Villaverde et al. Scientific advances
Abstract
Surviving Children: Did Neanderthals Have Down Syndrome?
It has long been known that Neanderthals cared for the disabled, but the meaning of this behaviour is debated.
Some authors believe that caregiving occurs between individuals who are able to give back, whereas others argue that caregiving is generated by feelings of caring that are associated with other highly adaptive prosocial behaviors.
Studies of children with severe medical conditions are of particular interest because the possibilities for children to return help are very limited.
We present the case of a Neanderthal child who suffered from a congenital lesion of the inner ear that was probably debilitating and associated with Down syndrome.
The child would have required at least six years of care, and other group members would likely have had to help the mother with raising the child.
