A recent analysis of an ear bone discovered in a cave in Spain suggests that a 6-year-old Neanderthal child had Down syndrome, making it the first known case of the condition in our closest human relatives. The findings shed new light on the caring nature of Neanderthal communities, providing evidence of their engagement in altruistic behavior.

The child, affectionately called Tina, lived into early childhood, indicating that her Neanderthal group provided the necessary care for her well-being. The researchers behind the study, published in the journal Science Advances, remarked that the child would have required care for at least six years, which likely involved assistance from other group members in childcare.

The ear bone fragment, initially unearthed in 1989 at Cova Negra in Xàtiva, Spain, had an irregular shape consistent with Down syndrome, as found by the research team. Further abnormalities included a smaller cochlea and issues with the lateral semicircular canal, which could lead to hearing loss and severe vertigo.

While a genetic test would be required to confirm if Tina had an extra copy of chromosome 21, characteristic of Down syndrome, the team suggests that her condition would have necessitated care from multiple individuals within her Neanderthal group.

The discovery challenges our previous understanding of Neanderthal behavior, as it was known that they provided care for sick members within their social groups, albeit to adults. However, Tina's case demonstrates a unique instance of care provided to a child with a genetically challenging condition, indicating true altruism among Neanderthals.

Mercedes Conde, a professor at the University of Alcalá in Spain and the lead author of the study, emphasized the significance of the finding. She noted that until now, there had been no evidence of Neanderthals providing help to individuals unable to reciprocate, indicating genuine altruism within their society.

The implications of this discovery extend beyond the Neanderthal species, highlighting the presence of altruistic behavior within our own species. The researchers suggest that this complex social adaptation has ancient origins within the genus Homo, pointing to a shared characteristic between Neanderthals and modern humans.

The unique case of Tina, the 6-year-old Neanderthal child with Down syndrome, serves as a testament to the compassion and care exhibited within Neanderthal communities. As our understanding of our ancient relatives continues to grow, it provides further insight into the complexities of human evolution and the striking similarities we share with our close relatives, the Neanderthals.