Kids Growing Up Slower Than Neanderthal Kids Did

matcom

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Mon May-03-04 06:33 AM
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Kids Growing Up Slower Than Neanderthal Kids Did

<snip>

Think your kids are growing up fast? Try this: A new study suggests Neanderthal children zoomed through adolescence and -- on average -- reached adulthood at age 15.

The finding, published in the current issue of the journal Nature, adds credence to the theory that Neanderthals were a unique species separate from modern humans. The time for humans to mature to adulthood grew longer as time went on.

The conclusions by researchers at the National Center for Scientific Research in Paris were based on analysis of Neanderthal teeth.

http://www.wftv.com/family/3251453/detail.html

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FireHeart

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Mon May-03-04 07:27 AM
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1. Many years ago...

I read an article proposing a theory that since the "Neanderthals" ate so much raw red meat, that their adolescent period was extremely short. Large doses of testosterone, etc, seemed to influence this. In later times, when vegetable gathering was introduced, the growth period slowed somewhat.

I can't say if it's right or wrong. Just another theory.

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SoCalDem

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Mon May-03-04 08:19 AM
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2. Life spans were very short back then

and reproduction was key to success, so maturity HAD to arrive earlier.. If the lifespan was 35 or so, early reproduction was a MUST.

People "mature" physically these days at about the same pace..(if not faster), but emotionally and mentally, they are "childlike" well into their 20's, because we lead a
soft and easy" lifestyle.:)

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