With their large brains, sturdy physique, sophisticated tools, and hunting skills, Neanderthals are the closest known relatives to humans. Approximately 200,000 years ago, as modern humans began to radiate out from their evolutionary birthplace in Africa, Neanderthals were already thriving in Europe―descendants of a much earlier migration of the African genus Homo. But when modern humans eventually made their way to Europe 45,000 years ago, Neanderthals suddenly vanished. Ever since the first Neanderthal bones were identified in 1856, scientists have been vexed by the question, why did modern humans survive while their evolutionary cousins went extinct? The Invaders musters compelling evidence to show that the major factor in the Neanderthals’ demise was direct competition with newly arriving humans. Drawing on insights from the field of invasion biology, which predicts that the species ecologically closest to the invasive predator will face the greatest competition, Pat Shipman traces the devastating impact of a growing human population: reduction of Neanderthals’ geographic range, isolation into small groups, and loss of genetic diversity. But modern humans were not the only invaders who competed with Neanderthals for big game. Shipman reveals fascinating confirmation of humans’ partnership with the first domesticated wolf-dogs soon after Neanderthals first began to disappear. This alliance between two predator species, she hypothesizes, made possible an unprecedented degree of success in hunting large Ice Age mammals―a distinct and ultimately decisive advantage for humans over Neanderthals at a time when climate change made both groups vulnerable.
The Invaders: How Humans and Their Dogs Drove Neanderthals to Extinction
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Author: Shipman, Pat
Binding: Hardcover
ISBN: 9780674736764
Details:
Author: Shipman, Pat
Brand: Belknap Press
Edition: Third
Binding: Hardcover
Number Of Pages: 288
Release Date: 10-03-2015
Package Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.7 x 1.1 inches Languages: English
EAN: 9780674736764
