Beginning around 34000 years ago, the Neanderthal people and modern humans co-inhabited the same regions of the Caucasus mountains, as well as sites throughout Europe. Over time, however, the Neanderthals disappeared utterly and entirely from the face of the earth. Why did the Neanderthals die out and modern humans survive? This is the question that has shaped the life research of University of Connecticut anthropologist Daniel Adler.
Adler, a renowned authority on the subject of primitive/modern human interactions, has conducted field research on the topic in England, Germany, France, and Israel. He will be discussing his recent work in the Caucasus mountains in a free public lecture this Sunday at 3pm in the Biological Sciences and Physics Building at Storrs. Adler’s findings challenge traditional views on Neanderthal extinction such as the belief that modern humans had superior hunting skills and technology. Bone evidence from simultaneously occupied Neanderthal and human sites indicate that both species were equally good hunters, the top predators in the food chain. Rather, Adler suggests, modern humans’ more extensive social networks gave them the ability to reach out for help in times of trouble, and better weather the storms of a difficult existence.
Adler’s lecture is presented by the Connecticut Archaeology Center and the Office of the State Archaeologist. CAMPUS MAP
Why did Neanderthals die out and modern humans survive? Connecticut researcher Daniel S. Adler believes he knows.
Friday, March 30, 2007
Find Out What Happened When Neanderthals Met Modern Humans
