Award Banner
Award Banner

Fossil of child with Down syndrome hints at Neanderthal compassion

Fossil of child with Down syndrome hints at Neanderthal compassion
The combination of inner ear abnormalities seen in the fossil is known only in people with Down syndrome.
PHOTO: Pixabay

WASHINGTON - Living among a small band of Neanderthals in what is now eastern Spain was a child, perhaps six years old, with Down syndrome, as shown in a remarkable fossil preserving traits in the inner ear anatomy indicative of this serious genetic condition.

This fossil, unearthed at the Cova Negra archeological site in the province of Valencia near the city of Xativa, not only represents the earliest-known evidence of Down syndrome but also, according to scientists, hints at compassionate caregiving in these extinct archaic humans – close cousins to our own species.

While the researchers cannot be certain of whether this was a girl or boy, they nicknamed the Neanderthal child "Tina".

The fossil, preserving the complete inner ear anatomy, was excavated in 1989 but its significance was not recognised until recently. It is a fragment of one of the two temporal bones – the right one – that help form the sides and base of the skull, protecting the brain and surrounding the ear canal.

Tina's combination of inner ear abnormalities is known only in people with Down syndrome.

"The pathology which this individual suffered resulted in highly disabling symptoms, including, at the very least, complete deafness, severe vertigo attacks and an inability to maintain balance," said paleoanthropologist Mercedes Conde-Valverde of the University of Alcala in Spain, lead author of the study published in the journal Science Advances.

"Given these symptoms, it is highly unlikely that the mother alone could have provided all the necessary care while also attending to her own needs. Therefore, for Tina to have survived for at least six years, the group must have continuously assisted the mother, either by relieving her in the care of the child, helping with her daily tasks, or both," Dr Conde-Valverde added.

Among other pathologies, there were abnormalities in the semicircular canals – three small tubes that govern balance and sense head position – and a reduction in the size of the cochlea, the part of the inner ear involved in hearing.

The fossil's precise age has not been determined, but Dr Conde-Valverde noted that the presence of Neanderthals at the Cova Negra site has been dated to between 273,000 and 146,000 years ago.

Neanderthals, formally called Homo neanderthalensis, were more robustly built than Homo sapiens and had larger brows. They lived from around 430,000 years ago to roughly 40,000 years ago.

Previous research has shown that Neanderthals were intelligent, creating art and using complex group hunting methods, pigments probably for body painting, symbolic objects and perhaps spoken language.

They disappeared relatively soon after our species spread into their territory.

Previous evidence of Neanderthals caring for their sick and injured prompted a debate over whether this was motivated merely by expectations of reciprocal behavior or by genuine compassion.

"For decades, it has been known that Neanderthals cared for and looked after their vulnerable companions. However, all known cases of care involved adult individuals, leading some scientists to believe that this behavior was not genuine altruism but merely an exchange of assistance between equals: 'Today for you, tomorrow for me'," Dr Conde-Valverde said.

"What was not known until now was a case of an individual who had received extra-maternal care from birth, even though the individual could not reciprocate. The discovery of the Cova Negra fossil supports the existence of true altruism among Neanderthals," Dr Conde-Valverde added.

Archeological evidence at Cova Negra indicates the site was occupied for short periods at a time by small groups of Neanderthals, hunter-gatherers who roamed the landscape in search of food and other resources. Tina's age at death, based on the maturation state of certain inner ear structures, showed unusual longevity for a child in such circumstances with a condition known for intellectual disability and developmental delays.

"The survival of this child, beyond the period of breastfeeding, implies group caregiving, probably more extended than parental caregiving, typical of a highly collaborative social context among the members of the group.

"Otherwise, it is very difficult to explain the survival of this individual up to the age of six years," said study co-author Valentin Villaverde, a University of Valencia emeritus professor of prehistory.

"The discovery of Tina," Dr Conde-Valverde said, "represents the oldest known case of Down syndrome and demonstrates that the diversity observed in modern humans was already present in prehistoric times. This finding ensures that the story of human evolution includes us all."

ALSO READ: Bones from German cave rewrite early history of Homo sapiens in Europe

Source: Reuters

homepage

trending

trending
    Singaporean killed in Spain: Prosecution pursues murder charge against Mitchell Ong
    Nicolas Cage sued by ex-wife for negligence
    Jail for woman who livestreamed sex act at HDB void deck and husband
    Nearly 10 years' jail for payroll staff who stole $5.7m to fund lavish lifestyle, including $3.7m penthouse
    Hawkers must personally operate stalls to prevent subletting, says NEA after hawker's viral complaint
    Your job, your rights: What Singapore's new Workplace Fairness Legislation means for you and your employers
    'You call that a performance?' Zhang Ziyi and Francis Ng left exasperated by acting reality show participants
    Popular Uncle Lee Confectionery launches vending machine in Woodleigh
    'Thank you for being part of our journey': Prata Wala announces closure, sole remaining franchised outlet to rebrand
    'An opportunity to contribute': Fewer fresh poly graduates land full-time jobs in 2024, but here's how this one did
    Manhattan Fish Market closes last Singapore outlet in Northpoint City
    'I would be grateful if I'm still known at 40': Jackson Wang ponders life, fame, happiness

Singapore

Singapore
    • 'Wow, an additional ang bao': Singaporeans weigh in on Budget 2025 announcements
    • Authorities investigating after 4th fire at Kranji recycling facility
    • 'Exceptional bravery': 4 primary school kids lauded for helping save worker with CPR during cardiac arrest
    • SCDF to hire foreigners to meet rising demand for emergency medical services
    • 2-year-old sexually assaulted in pre-school: 4 more charged for allegedly covering up incident
    • Singapore sees spike in speeding violations as deaths in speeding-related accidents rise by 43.8%
    • Chee Soon Juan announces bid to contest Bukit Batok SMC, plans fundraising dinner
    • Keepsake by Ryo fails to deliver orders worth $19k, urges 'compassion' amid health issues
    • 10-year-old girl hurt by pebbles thrown from condo's 11th storey by toddler
    • Truck driver flees in hit-and-run involving 2 motorcyclists on SLE

Entertainment

Entertainment
    • G-Dragon and Elton John to perform at Singapore F1 race
    • 5 new and upcoming shows to watch starring G-Dragon, Lee Dong-wook and Bai Jingting
    • 'I've to legally adopt my own daughter': Actress Shirli Ling shares little-known fact about kids born out of wedlock
    • Ex-Mediacorp actor Dai Xiangyu joins Chinese acting reality show, ignored by Francis Ng
    • Dylan Wang, Angela Chang, Li Qin and more to attend Yuewen Global IP Awards at Resorts World Sentosa on Feb 28
    • Ugly Betty actor Eric Mabius arrested for battery
    • Janelle Monae to star in and produce adaptation of Tanya Smith's heist memoir
    • Drake gives pregnant fan $40k after spotting her at his concert
    • Argentina court clears 3 accused in singer Liam Payne's death
    • Lady Gaga confirms Telephone sequel on the way

Lifestyle

Lifestyle
    • Toast Hut reopens at Bukit Merah, no kaya toast on menu 'till further notice'
    • Ahoy! Disney Adventure cruise adds new immersive experiences to line-up, including Duffy and Friends
    • 'I tried to put us on the world map': Chef Mathew Leong on culinary Olympics achievement, hopes to boost Singapore's food scene
    • 'So upset by this': Customers, book lovers lament Kinokuniya's downsizing of Takashimaya outlet
    • I tried chef Mathew Leong's pop-up blending Asian and Nordic fare, and I wish it lasted more than 5 days
    • Hidden for centuries, Chinese treasures finally see the light of day
    • What to do this weekend (Feb 21 to 23)
    • Florence bans check-in keyboxes as Italy acts against overtourism
    • Cat A COE premiums rise sharply in second bidding exercise for February 2025
    • Final curtain call: Cathay Cineplexes to close West Mall outlet on Feb 20

Digicult

Digicult
    • A $500 wake-up call: How the Samsung Galaxy Ring made me realise my stress
    • Monster Hunter Wilds producer explains how game has remained unique and fresh over 20 years
    • Australian children able to bypass age limit set by social media platforms, report shows
    • South Korea spy agency says DeepSeek 'excessively' collects personal data
    • Paris AI summit draws world leaders and CEOs eager for technology wave
    • Prism+ Sentinel Door Lock and Sentry Pro Gate Lock review: Say hello to hands-free convenience
    • Russian TV falls for fake report on DeepSeek's 'Soviet code'
    • Italy says 7 people targeted by spyware on WhatsApp
    • Australia bans DeepSeek on government devices citing security concerns
    • Games in February: RPGs, pirates, and dating household appliances?

Money

Money
    • Singapore's economy grew 4.4% in 2024, beating forecasts
    • DBS to give staff $1,000 special bonus, introduce capital return dividend
    • Singapore company sued by Novo Nordisk over $1.7b hypertension drug deal
    • Trump says unfair to US if Musk builds factory in India
    • Budget 2025: Singapore children aged 12 and below to get $500 LifeSG credits
    • Budget 2025: Eligible Singaporeans to receive up to $800 in vouchers for SG60
    • More CDC vouchers, $500 Edusave top-up: What you should know about Budget 2025
    • Budget 2025: Additional $100 worth of Climate Vouchers, programme to be extended to Singaporeans living in private properties
    • PropertyGuru lays off 174 employees, shuts 3 units to trim operations
    • Beginner's guide to understanding your credit score in Singapore (2025): What is a credit score and is it important?

Latest

Latest
  • Daily roundup: 5 new and upcoming shows to watch starring G-Dragon, Lee Dong-wook and Bai Jingting — and other top stories today
  • Israeli PM Netanyahu says Hamas will pay for not returning Shiri Bibas
  • China's hopes to be Ukraine peacemaker collide with its goals on Trump, trade
  • FDA staffers told that 'woman,' 'disabled' among banned words; White House says it’s an error
  • South Korea police say building case against Yoon for obstructing arrest
  • China military drove away Philippine aircraft near Spratly Islands
  • Students lead Dark Indonesia protests against budget cuts
  • Hong Kong's last major pro-democracy party moves to disband
  • Hope turns to heartbreak for Israel's Bibas hostage family

In Case You Missed It

In Case You Missed It
  • Malaysia to build $786 million integrated property comprising mall, apartments and hotel next to JB-Singapore RTS Link station
  • Man slashed by cleaver in drunken fight near JB checkpoint
  • Third train disruption in less than a week: Circle Line resumes service after signalling fault
  • Car plunges from 3rd floor of Malaysian building after driver accidentally floors accelerator
  • New ICA services centre to open in April, public can self-collect identity cards and passports there from July
  • Selangor mall shooting: Manhunt underway for suspect who fired at janitor, hijacked car
  • WP new faces hit the ground in areas like Tampines and Punggol; party may contest over 30 seats in GE2025: Observers
  • 14-year-old girl, previously missing in JB, found in Penang with 2 'online friends'
This website is best viewed using the latest versions of web browsers.