A new study of fossils found in a cave in Spain shows that Neanderthals could think in a special way. This thinking happened before they met Homo sapiens.
Researchers found 15 small marine fossils in the Prado Vargas Cave in Burgos. Most of these fossils did not have much use for food or tools.
This means Neanderthals might have collected these fossils for fun or to keep as special items. This ability to collect shows that they could think about things beyond what they needed right away, a sign of abstract thought.
The researchers say that these fossils could have been used for many reasons. They might have been pretty, used for trading, or even meant for gifts. They could have also been toys for children, as there is proof that kids lived in the cave.
It is important to know that no early humans were in this area at the same time. This shows that Neanderthals collected items all by themselves.
The study was published in Quaternary.
Vocabulary List:
- Neanderthals /niˈændərˌθɔlz/ (noun): A group of extinct hominids that lived in Europe and parts of Asia.
- Fossils /ˈfɒs.əlz/ (noun): Remains or impressions of prehistoric organisms preserved in rock.
- Abstract /ˈæbstrækt/ (adjective): Existing in thought or as an idea but not having a physical or concrete existence.
- Researchers /rɪˈsɜːr.tʃərz/ (noun): People who carry out academic or scientific investigations.
- Special /ˈspeʃ.əl/ (adjective): Better greater or otherwise different from what is usual.
- Collected /kəˈlek.tɪd/ (verb): Gathered or amassed items typically for a specific purpose.
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