Reassessing Neanderthal Climate Preferences: An Analysis of Homo neanderthalensis During Marine Isotope Stages (MIS) 4 and 5e
Open Access DepositedThis thesis investigates the climatic preferences and adaptive strategies of Neanderthals during contrasting conditions of the Marine Isotope Stages (MIS) 4 and 5e. By examining two hypotheses — Neanderthals preferring colder climates during the warmer MIS5e (Hypothesis A) and Neanderthals exhibiting a broader range of habitat suitability and adaptive strategies (Hypothesis B) — the study seeks to contribute to the discourse on Neanderthal adaptability and survival. Employing a comprehensive dataset of Neanderthal archaeological sites, bioclimatic variables, modern elevation, and distance to ice, the research utilizes various analytical techniques including ANOVA and spatial analysis in QGIS.Findings reveal that Neanderthals did not exclusively seek colder climates during the warmer MIS5e, indicating their adaptability to different environmental conditions. The spatial analysis suggests that their habitat selection was influenced by a range of environmental conditions and not solely driven by climatic factors. Furthermore, the study challenges the oversimplified portrayal of Neanderthals as a species strictly adapted to cold climates, highlighting their complex relationship with varying habitats and resource availabilities. The research contributes to our understanding of Neanderthal ecology, suggesting a need to reevaluate the factors influencing their survival and adaptability in response to climatic changes. It underlines the importance of considering both ecological flexibility and environmental constraints in discussing Neanderthal survival strategies, thereby reshaping the narrative around their adaptation and extinction during the Pleistocene epoch.
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Broderick_gwu_0075M_16852.pdf | 2024-10-02 | Open Access |
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