Scientists find a new Neanderthal population that stayed completely isolated for 50,000 years

Something like this would seem unimaginable for our Homo sapiens species.

Mihai AndreibyMihai Andrei September 13, 2024 in Anthropology, Archaeology, News Reading Time: 6 mins read
Edited and reviewed by Zoe Gordon


As if Neanderthals weren’t already mysterious enough, a new study adds a new layer to our understanding of Neanderthal populations. Apparently, some of them lived in genetic and social isolation for more than 50,000 years. The groundbreaking research, conducted on a Neanderthal individual discovered in Grotte Mandrin in Mediterranean France, uncovers genetic divergence and highlights the role of isolation in the disappearance of Neanderthals.

The Grotte Mandrin Neanderthals
The Grotte Mandrin rock shelter in southern France has long been a treasure trove for archaeologists. It contains multiple sedimentary layers spanning tens of thousands of years, preserving the history of both Neanderthals and early modern humans. In 2015, during an excavation at the site, a remarkable find was made: the partial remains of a Neanderthal individual. He was dubbed “Thorin,” a reference to a Tolkien character in the Lord of the Rings universe. This Neanderthal is among the most well-preserved individuals found in France.

Thorin’s remains, including cranial and dental fragments, date back to approximately 50,000 years ago. The site’s rich archaeological context provided evidence that Thorin lived during the final millennia of Neanderthal existence. But it wasn’t just the discovery of Thorin’s remains that intrigued researchers. What made this find particularly significant was the genetic data recovered from his teeth. They revealed a story of long-term isolation that had not been previously documented in late Neanderthal populations.

“The Thorin population spent 50,000 years without exchanging genes with other Neanderthal populations,” says co-first author and discoverer of Thorin, Ludovic Slimak, CNRS researcher of Université Toulouse III – Paul Sabatier.
It’s not like this population was living far away from others either, says Slimak.

More:
https://www.zmescience.com/science/news-science/neanderthals-isolated-12092024/