A lifelike diorama showcases a Neanderthal family's daily life at the Neanderthal Museum in Krapina, Croatia. Photo credit: Nikola Solic/Reuters When we think of Neanderthals , we often picture fur-clad figures huddled in icy caves. While this image isn't entirely inaccurate, the ecological reality of Neanderthal life was far more complex and fascinating. Recent research, including a comprehensive map of Neanderthal remains, provides new insights into how these ancient humans adapted to and shaped their environment. Neanderthal Range: A Story of Adaptation The map of Neanderthal remains above reveals a vast range spanning from Western Europe to Central Asia. This distribution tells a story of remarkable adaptability, as Neanderthals successfully inhabited a variety of ecosystems, from the Mediterranean coast to the frigid landscapes of Ice Age Europe . Key Ecological Zones Neanderthals occupied several distinct ecological zones: Temperate Forests: Much of Europe during interg
We often hear about species going extinct, but it's hard to grasp the scale of the problem. In just the last ten years, over 460 species have vanished forever . That's a sobering thought, isn't it? Today, let's look at some animals that are hanging on by a thread . Image credit: This visualization was created by visualcapitalist.com The World Wildlife Fund UK has put together a list of the most endangered animals. These creatures are so rare that scientists can actually count how many are left. Here's a breakdown: Rank Animal Number Left Where They Live 1 🦏 Javan Rhino 75 Java, Indonesia 2 🐆 Amur Leopard 100 China & Russia 3 🐅 Sunda Island Tiger 600 Sumatra, Indonesia 4 🦧 Tapanuli Orangutan 800 Sumatra, Indonesia 5 🦍 Mountain Gorillas 1,000 DRC, Rwanda & Uganda 6 🐬 Yangtze FinlessPorpoise 1,000 Yangtze River, China 7 🦏 Black Rhinos 5,630 Kenya,Namibia, South Africa & Zimbabwe 8 🦧 Sumatran Orangutan 14,000 Sumatra, Indonesia 9 🐢 Hawksbill Tur