While the researchers cannot be certain of whether this was a girl or boy, they nicknamed the Neanderthal child "Tina." The fossil, preserving the complete inner ear anatomy, was excavated in 1989 but its significance was not recognized until recently. Tina's combination of inner ear abnormalities is known only in people with Down syndrome. "For decades, it has been known that Neanderthals cared for and looked after their vulnerable companions. The discovery of the Cova Negra fossil supports the existence of true altruism among Neanderthals," Conde-Valverde added.
