The study, which was published late last month in the journal Science Advances, centers its findings on how disabled individuals among the Neanderthal population were often cared for.
The arrival of Homo sapiens in cold northern latitudes took place several thousand years before Neanderthals disappeared in southwest Europe
The finding in France involves a series of non-figurative markings on the wall, which the team interpreted as finger-flutings, marks made by human hands.
Though Neanderthals have been extinct for tens of thousands of years, their genetics still make up anywhere from 1% to 4% of the human genome.
Scientists found that the shape of human's nose may be inherited from Neanderthals and may have helped humans adapt to cooler climates after leaving Africa.
How did humans arrive and settle in Europe, and how did they interact with the Neanderthals who were already there?
It unveils important changes in the genetic makeup of some regions following major climate changes,” - Ludovic Orlando, a molecular archaeologist.
Researchers used geographical data systems, with bio-geographical data inputs, to uncover routes that Neanderthals would have likely taken.
The evidence comes from the Neumark-Nord 1 site near Halle, Germany, where 3,122 bones, tusks, and teeth have been found.
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