Neanderthal extinction hypotheses

An image of a 17,000-year-old cave painting of a wolf-like dog in Font-de-Gaume, France.

Man’s best friend may have been the Neanderthal’s downfall

Science

There are many theories as to why the Neanderthals, our ancestral cousins, died out. A new theory suggests that modern humans may be the most successful invasive species of all time, with special thanks to our canine companions for giving us the competitive edge.

Human and Neanderthal skulls

Neanderthals and modern humans co-existed in Europe for several thousand years

Science