This fossil of a child with Down syndrome shows ‘true altruism’ in Neanderthals’ caregiving
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Previous evidence of Neanderthals caring for their sick and injured prompted a debate over whether this was motivated merely by expectations of reciprocal behavior or by genuine compassion.
Living among a small band of Neanderthals in what is now eastern Spain was a child, perhaps 6 years old, with Down syndrome, as shown in a remarkable fossil preserving traits in the inner-ear anatomy indicative of this serious genetic condition.