![Earliest Known Case of Down Syndrome Dates Back to Neanderthals](https://img-s1.onedio.com/id-66a15f924e2acd7d1e98aa86/rev-0/w-996/f-jpg/s-07afb6165a743a2852dafe0ba4203aace0860756.jpg)
Earliest Known Case of Down Syndrome Dates Back to Neanderthals
A groundbreaking study has revealed that a Neanderthal child with Down syndrome lived for at least six years, indicating the presence of compassionate care among these ancient humans. Discovered at the Cova Negra archaeological site in Spain, a 40,000-year-old fossil exhibited inner ear anatomy characteristic of Down syndrome. This finding marks the oldest known evidence of the genetic condition, shedding light on the social dynamics of Neanderthal communities.