41,000 years ago, the magnetic North Pole derived above Europe, an event that could have influenced human evolution. A recent study explores how this episode was able to affect Homo sapiens and Neanderthals differently.
During this period, the terrestrial magnetic field was weakened, exposing the planet to one influence Increased cosmic. Researchers suggest that Homo sapiens were able to adapt thanks to innovations such as tailor -made clothes and the use of ocher as sun protection.
Neanderthals, on the other hand, seem to have developed these technologies. This difference could explain their disappearance around 40,000 years before our era, while Homo Sapiens spread in Europe and Asia.
The study, published in Science Advancesis based on a 3D modeling of magnetic field terrestrial during the laschamps excursion. This reconstruction shows how loaded particles have penetrated theatmosphereincreasing exposure to UV.
Homo sapiens may have found refuge in caves to protect themselves. The ocher, used as a pigment, would also have served as natural sunscreen. These strategies would have offered a decisive advantage in the face of hostile environmental conditions.
Researchers point out that these results are correlational and require additional investigations. However, they open up new perspectives on the impact of terrestrial magnetic variations on human evolution.
This study also highlights the resilience of Homo sapiens in the face of climate and environmental changes. Their ability to innovate and adapt undoubtedly played a key role in their survival and their expansion.
Finally, the researchers evoke the implications for the search for extraterrestrial life. A weakened magnetic field does not necessarily mean the absence of life, as shown by the example of the prehistoric earth.
How does the terrestrial magnetic field protect us?
The terrestrial magnetic field acts as an invisible shield against loaded particles from the sun and space. These particles, if they reached the surface, could damage DNA and disrupt ecosystems.
This field is generated by the movements of the external nucleus of the earth, composed of iron and fusion nickel. These movements create electric currents which, in turn, produce the magnetic field.
When this field weakens or its poles are reversed, the protection it offers decreases. This can lead to an increase in boreal and southern dawn, but also greater exposure to cosmic radiation.
Understanding these mechanisms is essential to anticipate the effects of future magnetic variations on our technology and our health.
Why did the Neanderthals disappear?
The disappearance of Neanderthals remains one of the great mysteries of human evolution. Several theories exist, ranging from climate change to competition with Homo sapiens. Neanderthals were well suited to the cold climates of Europe, but their lack of technological innovation could have disadvantaged them. The absence of tailor -made clothing and effective sun protection is an example.
Homo sapiens, with their ability to innovate and adapt, were able to colonize new environments more easily. This behavioral flexibility may have been decisive in their survival.
Research continues to better understand the interactions between these two species and the factors that have led to the disappearance of Neanderthals.
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