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View Full Version : dating mistakes could upset neandertal theories in Europe


Ben Gruagach
August 25th, 2004, 01:23 PM
http://news.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2004/08/22/wnean22.xml

Apparently the guy who was responsible for estimating the ages of what was believed to be neandertal remains in Europe might have been a bit off in his dates.

One set of remains, estimated to be about 27,000 years old, now looks like it was from a person who died in the 1700s (less than five hundred years ago... oops!)
Rockprincess
August 25th, 2004, 01:28 PM
This is strange. And definitely another reason that independent labs should be responsible for all carbon dating (I was under the impression that was already the case, how did this happen, actually?!)

Having "neanderthals" who were around only 3300 years ago wouldn't upset me, because my theory all along was that they were interbred out of existence, not that they were killed off. So in certain areas, the neanderthal traits could easily have persisted longer than others.
Terestai
August 25th, 2004, 01:35 PM
Whoa!!! :jawdrop: That would be quite the find... can't wait to see the results.

And honestly, I came in here wondering how dates could screw up history. :lol: Like if someone set up a hippo with a dog. That'd be a mistake.
Shanti
August 25th, 2004, 01:38 PM
Having "neanderthals" who were around only 3300 years ago wouldn't upset me, because my theory all along was that they were interbred out of existence, not that they were killed off. So in certain areas, the neanderthal traits could easily have persisted longer than others. I agree!
So what if they were around for a longer period of time, side by side with sapiens? I too believe they were interbred out of existense too! :)


Also,
Time lines are going to have mistakes. I dont think it seriously rocks the boat much. We just aint all that special in the evolutionary point of things! We did share our planet with other homo species and for a long time too.
rainmaker
August 25th, 2004, 02:48 PM
Why are Neanderthals still dating? Settle down already! :hehehehe:
WhiteRavenBran
August 25th, 2004, 09:21 PM
This is strange. And definitely another reason that independent labs should be responsible for all carbon dating (I was under the impression that was already the case, how did this happen, actually?!)

Having "neanderthals" who were around only 3300 years ago wouldn't upset me, because my theory all along was that they were interbred out of existence, not that they were killed off. So in certain areas, the neanderthal traits could easily have persisted longer than others.

Hey, who's to say they don't still exist...? Look at people like John Rhys-Davies ::slaps wrist:: ok, that wasn't very nice, but some people have traits resembling those of the Neandertals.