Title
The Smart Neanderthal: Cave Art, Bird Catching, and the Cognitive Revolution,New
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Since the late 1980s the dominant theory of human origins has been that a 'cognitive revolution' (C.50,000 years ago) led to the advent of our species, Homo sapiens. As a result of this revolution our species spread and eventually replaced all existing archaic Homo species, ultimately leading to the superiority of modern humans.Or so we thought.As Clive Finlayson explains, the latest advances in genetics prove that there was significant interbreeding between Modern Humans and the Neanderthals. All nonAfricans today carry some Neanderthal genes. We have also discovered aspects of Neanderthal behaviour that indicate that they were not cognitively inferior to modern humans, as we once thought, and in fact had their own rituals and art. Finlayson, who is at the forefront of this research, recounts the discoveries of his team, providing evidence that Neanderthals caught birds of prey, and used their feathers for symbolic purposes. There is also evidence that Neanderthals practised other forms of art, as the recently discovered engravings in Gorham's Cave Gibraltar indicate.Linking all the recent evidence, The Smart Neanderthal casts a new light on the Neanderthals and the 'Cognitive Revolution'. Finlayson argues that there was no revolution and, instead, modern behaviour arose gradually and independently among different populations of Modern Humans and Neanderthals. Some practices were even adopted by Modern Humans from the Neanderthals. Finlayson overturns classic narratives of human origins, and raises important questions about who we really are.
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- Q: What is the main thesis of 'The Smart Neanderthal'? A: 'The Smart Neanderthal' argues that the cognitive revolution, traditionally believed to define the advent of Homo sapiens, did not occur in a sudden shift. Instead, it suggests that modern behaviors developed gradually and independently among both Modern Humans and Neanderthals.
- Q: Who is the author of 'The Smart Neanderthal'? A: The author of 'The Smart Neanderthal' is Clive Finlayson, who has been actively researching Neanderthal behavior and genetics.
- Q: What are some key topics covered in the book? A: Key topics include the interbreeding between Neanderthals and Modern Humans, the evidence of Neanderthal art and rituals, and the implications of these findings on our understanding of human origins.
- Q: Is 'The Smart Neanderthal' suitable for general readers? A: 'The Smart Neanderthal' is written in an accessible style, making it suitable for general readers interested in anthropology, archaeology, and human evolution.
- Q: What type of binding does this book have? A: 'The Smart Neanderthal' is available in a hardcover binding, which is durable and suitable for display on bookshelves.
- Q: When was 'The Smart Neanderthal' published? A: 'The Smart Neanderthal' was published on May 1, 2019.
- Q: How many pages are in 'The Smart Neanderthal'? A: 'The Smart Neanderthal' contains a total of 240 pages.
- Q: Does 'The Smart Neanderthal' include illustrations? A: Yes, this book is noted as an illustrated edition, featuring visuals that complement the text.
- Q: What condition is the book in? A: 'The Smart Neanderthal' is in new condition, ensuring that readers receive a pristine copy.
- Q: What category does 'The Smart Neanderthal' fall under? A: 'The Smart Neanderthal' is categorized under World, focusing on human history and evolution.