Neanderthal Apocalypse

In part one of Neanderthal Apocalypse, we look at how the Neanderthal physique and hunting techniques could have contributed to its demise. Anthropologists from Princeton and the University of Wisconsin compare the body builds of the stocky Neanderthal and the lean modern human to see what the role of muscle mass plays in surviving harsh winter months. Then we follow our weapons experts as they take a stab at discovering which hunting method is more effective: the thrusting or throwing spear.

In part two of Neanderthal Apocalypse, scientists take a look at what other factors might have affected the demise of the Neanderthals. Could it have been the eruption of a super volcano? And if so, the presence of a simmering super volcano in the backyard of the United States could mean devastation. Then a surprising look at the human genome at the University of Washington reveals that Neanderthal DNA may be living on in modern humans.