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Neanderthal skeleton from Tabun: U-series data by gamma-ray spectrometry
H P Schwarcz1, J J Simpson, C B Stringer
1School of Geography and Geology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada. schwarcz@mcmaster.ca
Journal of Human Evolution
|February 3, 1999
Summary
New dating of the Tabun C1 Neanderthal skeleton suggests it is younger than previously thought. This indicates Neanderthals may have survived later in the Levant, potentially not coexisting with early modern humans in the region.
Area of Science:
- Paleoanthropology
- Dating methods
Background:
- The Tabun C1 Neanderthal fossil from Israel was previously dated to layers B or C.
- Accurate dating is crucial for understanding Neanderthal presence and interactions with modern humans.
Observation:
- Two bones (mandible and femur) from the Tabun C1 skeleton were analyzed using gamma-ray spectrometry.
- Uranium-thorium (230Th/234U) and protactinium-uranium (231Pa/235U) ratios were measured to determine age.
Findings:
- Under an early uranium uptake model, the mandible dated to 34+/-5 ka and the femur to 19+/-2 ka.
- A linear uranium uptake model for the femur yielded an age of 33+/-4 ka, aligning with the mandible.
- These ages suggest the Tabun C1 skeleton is younger than layer C deposits and other Neanderthals in Israel.
Implications:
- Neanderthals in the Levant may have survived later than previously assumed.
- This challenges the notion of Neanderthal and early modern human coexistence in the region.
- Neanderthal presence in the Levant might be linked to climate-driven range expansions during glacial periods.