One of the greatest mysteries of evolution is the extinction of Neanderthals: once among the apex predators of their time, ruling the Earth for some 300,000 years then suddenly dying out - and a new study suggests it might have something to do with creativity.

Theories regarding the extinction of the Neanderthals range from climate change or the homo sapiens outpacing them in terms of population and technology, with these hominids being absorbed into the gene pool of what would be the modern human. However, a team of researchers from the University of Granada identified 267 genes supposedly linked to creativity that gave the homo sapiens the edge over the Neanderthals. They present their findings in the article "Evolution of genetic networks for human creativity," appearing in the latest Molecular Psychiatry journal.

ALSO READ: Remains of 9 Neanderthals Found Near Rome, Offering Insights on Prehistoric Population


Homo Sapiens' "Secret Weapon" Over the Neanderthals

The presence of these genes, and the homo sapiens' creativity, became their "secret weapon" and provided them with the advantage over the now-extinct hominids. Additionally, the proteins analyzed in the study were linked to improved self-awareness and improving health.

"Thanks to these genes, Homo sapiens enjoyed greater physical fitness than now-extinct hominids, providing them with a superior level of resilience to aging, injury, and disease, says Igor Zwir, lead author of the study and a professor from the University of Granada, in a press release from the university.

In this first-of-a-kind study, researchers found out that the adaptability and fitness of the Homo sapiens were approximately twice compared to those of the Neanderthals. This new research offers insight into what might've driven the extinction of Neanderthals and other hominid species to extinction, leaving Homo sapiens to ultimately take over the world.

Additionally, the university release argues that qualities of inventiveness and imagination might have helped the Homo sapiens gain "the upper hand" in the purely cognitive realm, ensuring the species' survival.

"Living longer and healthier lives may have prolonged the period of learning associated with youth and adolescence, which would facilitate the accumulation of knowledge," Zwir additionally explains. He adds that this behavior is a "remarkable characteristic" of modern humans, being an important factor in succeeding economically and socially.

The Effect of Creativity Towards Survival

As a trait among Homo sapiens, creativity might have encouraged cooperation between individuals, demonstrating greater chances of success and inspiring the same in their communities and, later on, their descendants. Aside from the passing of knowledge, it would have inspired technological innovation, versatility, and openness, leading to advancements in exploration.

The new study combined artificial intelligence with analyses of genetic data and brain scans. Researchers found the new genes on creativity among a group of 972 proteins discovered by the same team to be connected to personality development. These are sorted into three separate networks.

Zwir additionally explains that the networks responsible for learning and memory in humans evolved in stages. The most primitive of these pathways emerged in monkeys and apes some 40 million years ago. Aside from personality, learning, and memory, these networks also affect emotional reactivity - impulses, habits, social attachments, and conflict response.

The second one, which is responsible for restraint, direction, and social cooperation, was believed to have developed within the last two million years. Finally, the last network relating to creative self-awareness was estimated to have been developed some 100,000 years ago, or about 60,000 years ago, before the Neanderthals became extinct.

 

RELATED ARTICLE: Neanderthal Contributions to the Modern Man, Six Other Human Species Explained

Check out more news and information on Neanderthals in Science Times.