Neanderthals Utilized Rhinoceros Teeth as Tools, Study Reveals Strategic Thinking
A recent study published in the Journal of Human Evolution suggests that Neanderthals used rhinoceros teeth as tools during the Middle Paleolithic period, approximately 300,000 to 40,000 years ago. Led by Alicia Sanz-Royo from the Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle in Paris, the research analyzed rhino teeth found in caves in northern Spain and southwestern France. The study employed dental microwear analysis to confirm that the markings on the teeth were made post-mortem, indicating deliberate human activity. The findings suggest that Neanderthals strategically selected rhino teeth for their hardness, as the enamel is composed of 97% hydroxyapatite, making it highly resistant to fracture. The research team recreated Neanderthal tools using white rhino teeth and demonstrated their use in various tasks, supporting the hypothesis of strategic tool use by Neanderthals. 
