As ancient genetics develops further, mechanisms and adaptations behind Neanderthals’ unique biology will become clearer. But perhaps the biggest revolution has been the toppling of ‘ice age’ explanations for why they looked and lived how they did. Their bodies were honed for and by hugely demanding lifestyles, whether or not they hunched against glacial winds. Living through extreme cold climates may have simply buffed up the already sleek engine they ran on. And when we fully survey the vast swathe of climates and environments that Neanderthals experienced, their story becomes even more
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