Final answer:
The key difference between the Altamira and Lascaux cave paintings is their geographic location, with Altamira located in Spain and Lascaux in France. While both caves have similar artistic styles, Altamira's preservation conditions are better and it is considered a cultural treasure, whereas Lascaux poses a greater risk of damage and has been closed to the public.
Step-by-step explanation:
The key difference between the Altamira and Lascaux cave paintings is their geographic location. Altamira cave paintings are located in Spain, while Lascaux cave paintings are located in France. Although both caves have similar artistic styles and were created around the same time, their cultural significance and preservation methods differ.
Altamira cave paintings are estimated to be around 15,000 years old and were discovered in the late 19th century. They depict primarily animals and are considered one of the earliest examples of cave art. On the other hand, Lascaux cave paintings date back approximately 17,000 years ago and were discovered in 1940. The paintings in Lascaux mainly depict animals, but also include some human figures. They are known for their realism and attention to detail.
In terms of preservation and cultural significance, Lascaux poses a greater risk due to its popularity and number of visitors. The cave had to be closed to the public in 1963 because the visitors were damaging the delicate environment. A replica called Lascaux II was created nearby to allow visitors to see the paintings without harming the original cave. Altamira cave paintings, being relatively less accessible, have better preservation conditions and are considered a cultural and historical treasure.