The Neanderthal complex of traits started developing since the beginning of fourth glaciation, 1,20,000 years ago and completely disappeared 3,00,000 years ago. Various theories have been proposed to explain Neandertal’s extinction. These are:
- Physical Extermination Theory.
- Competitive Exclusion Theory.
- Over-specialization Theory.
- Total Assimilation Theory.
Physical Extermination Theory:
Neandertals suddenly disappeared from the scene due to the invasion of modern humans. That means the modern humans had better technology could exploit the better resources in the environment to their advantage giving less chance for exploitation of the same to Neandertals
Competitive Exclusion Theory :
The theory proposes that change in ecological conditions made Neandertals unfit to exist while another group thrived.
Over-Specialization Theory :
Presence of robust features indicate that Neandertals were specialized for cold climate and became extinct when conditions normalized
Total Assimilation Theory :
The theory considers that when more people evolved and invaded Neandertal’s territory,they interbred with it and Neandertal’s genes were completely assimilated by this more evolved group. Neandertal Complex of traits probably developed because of cultural and ecological compulsions but they became extinct probably because of failure genes to contribute towards development of higher mental abilities essential for fast socio-cultural development.
All the above said theories do not provide a satisfactory picture to the extinction of Neandertals. So, we can ourselves assume that more than one process were in operation in the extinction of Neandertals.