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Neanderthal Infants Grew Faster Than Modern Babies, Study Finds

4/17/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A study shows Neanderthal infants grew faster than modern babies, exemplified by Amud 7, a skeleton found in Israel.
Amud 7 was six months old by tooth development, but its bones resembled a 12–14-month-old.
Neanderthal children showed rapid body and brain growth early on, likely as an adaptation to harsh environments.
By age seven, Neanderthal growth patterns aligned with those of Homo sapiens.

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Story summary

A study shows Neanderthal infants grew faster than modern babies, exemplified by Amud 7, a skeleton found in Israel.
Amud 7 was six months old by tooth development, but its bones resembled a 12–14-month-old.
Neanderthal children showed rapid body and brain growth early on, likely as an adaptation to harsh environments.
By age seven, Neanderthal growth patterns aligned with those of Homo sapiens.