This fossil of a child with Down syndrome shows ‘true altruism’ in Neanderthals’ caregiving

Previous evidence of Neanderthals caring for their sick and injured prompted a debate over whether this was motivated merely by expectations of reciprocal behavior or by genuine compassion.

Living among a small band of Neanderthals in what is now eastern Spain was a child, perhaps 6 years old, with Down syndrome, as shown in a remarkable fossil preserving traits in the inner-ear anatomy indicative of this serious genetic condition.