Why Did the Neanderthals Disappear? Scientists Reveal Humans Had a Hidden Advantage

A modeling study of European archaeology suggests Neanderthal decline was driven by multiple interacting causes, not a single factor.

Researchers used ecological species-distribution models to compare Neanderthals and Homo sapiens across Europe during the last glacial cycle.

The study argues modern humans had more connected, stable habitat networks, giving them a resilience advantage.

That connectivity may have helped Homo sapiens adapt to environmental change while Neanderthals disappeared.