Final answer:
Homo sapiens sapiens outlasted Neanderthals due to several strategic advantages, including the ability to form larger social groups, adapt to changing climates, and compete for resources. Their interactions with Neanderthals included both interbreeding and competition, which, along with their superior tool-making and reproductive strategies, could have led to the decline of the Neanderthal population.
Step-by-step explanation:
What Gave Modern Humans the Edge Over Neanderthals?
One group that outlasted the Neanderthals were Homo sapiens sapiens, our direct ancestors. Neanderthals thrived from about 200,000 years ago to around 40,000 years ago, adapting to cold climates and surviving harsh conditions. In contrast, Homo sapiens sapiens were initially less robust and remained in Africa long after Neanderthals had spread across Europe and the Middle East.
Despite their limitations, Homo sapiens sapiens had key advantages that helped them survive and eventually expand their territories. With longer limbs and larger social groups, they could adapt as conditions warmed around 50,000 years ago, which allowed them to spread out of Africa and into territories occupied by Neanderthals. They not only interbred with Neanderthals but also competed for resources, possibly leading to the decline of the Neanderthal population.
Theories on the extinction of Neanderthals vary, suggesting that competition for resources, differences in tool-making skills, and reproductive strategies might have given Homo sapiens sapiens the upper hand. Cultural sophistication and the ability to adapt quickly to environmental changes further supported their dominance over Neanderthals. It is clear that by about 45,000 years ago, Homo sapiens sapiens became the dominant hominin species, effectively displacing Neanderthals and spreading worldwide.