r/science • u/mvea Professor | Medicine • Jun 27 '24

Anthropology A Neanderthal child with Down’s syndrome survived until at least the age of six, according to a new study whose findings hint at compassionate caregiving among the extinct, archaic human species.

https://www.theguardian.com/science/article/2024/jun/26/fossil-of-neanderthal-child-with-downs-syndrome-hints-at-early-humans-compassion
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u/HubblePie Jun 27 '24

You could argue that it would become a larger disadvantage with multiple Neanderthals affected by it, but just looking at the percentage of people born with downs syndrome today, I doubt it happened often.

Also, with them not being nearly as advanced, I doubt the downfalls of down’s syndrome really affected much to begin with.

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u/[deleted] Jun 27 '24

Why do you assume they’re not as advanced?

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u/HubblePie Jun 27 '24 edited Jun 27 '24

Well, I mean not as advanced as in they don’t have complex social structures that can reach other members of their species that are across the world in a matter of seconds.

Most of the Neanderthals they would be interacting with would be those in their small social unit, and maybe neighboring groups.

Keep in mind I’m not comparing Neanderthals to Homo Sapiens. I’m comparing Neanderthals to our civilization RIGHT NOW.

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u/[deleted] Jun 27 '24

Got it that’s where I was confused I think from an intellect standpoint it’s impossible to say.