Lead (Pb) and Neanderthal Survival opus 987
| 7 November 2026 1251 Hours | | Anthropology, Biology, Diet, Environment, Evolution, Food, History, Medical, Mortality |
Environmental lead definitely played a role in prehistoric hominid history.
Neanderthals were affected by lead (Pb) exposure,
More so than the exposure experienced by modern humans (Homo sapiens).
A 250,000-year-old fossilized Neanderthal tooth,
Found at the Payre (France) archaeological site,
Was the earliest known evidence in any hominid.
When studying the 'growth rings' of children's development,
Researchers discovered repeated lead spikes.
This natural exposure most likely occurred from inhaling smoke
From fires fueled by wood growing near underground lead deposits,
Or when drinking lead-contaminated cave water.
When prehistoric animal specimens were studied,
73%, including Neanderthals,
Were found to have had intermittent environmental lead exposure.
This seemed to be a normal, permanent factor in their environment.
The NOVA1 gene of modern humans regulates early brain development.
That gene in Neanderthals differs by a single base pair.
The speech link (FOXP2), when lab-grown with Neanderthal NOVA1,
Triggered neuron death and stunted cortical pathways.
The FOXP2 gene is vital for speech, complex language development,
And high-level cognitive functioning.
The advantage for modern humans was that they were mostly protected
From this lead-induced neurological damage.
Neanderthals lacked this protective gene variant and therefore,
Natural lead exposure may have stunted their cognitive evolution,
Their communication abilities and social interaction.
The current hypothesis of scientists concerning this evolutionary resistance
To lead, gave Homo sapiens a definite conpetitive advantage,
And why humans thrived, while Neanderthals became extinct.
Additional factors determining Neanderthal extinction
Were rapid climate shifts, ecological collapses, and natural catastrophes.
Neanderthals were ambush hunters, hiding among disappearing trees.
It was found that starving Neanderthals were eating the marrow of birds' feet.
The large game Neanderthals hunted was disappearing
Due to cold climate shifts,
While Homo sapiens ate fish, plants, and smaller game.
Neanderthal populations became fragmented and isolated,
Leading to severe inbreeding and low genetic diversity.
Neanderthals do still live on in modern DNA
Due to interbreeding with modern humans.