Discussion: Longer Range, Bigger Brains, and the Cost of Becoming Human

Welcome back to CASHE! Following up on our recent deep time presentation, tonight we are shifting gears into an open, collaborative discussion about the survival and triumph of Homo sapiens.

The Ice Age was a brutal evolutionary crucible. While our close relatives like the Neanderthals and Denisovans eventually disappeared, our ancestors managed to adapt, spread, and ultimately thrive.

Bring your thoughts, notes from last week, and curiosity as we explore:

• What unique traits, technologies, or social structures allowed Sapiens to outlast the extreme cold?
• How did our interactions and interbreeding with Neanderthals and Denisovans shape our shared history?
• What role did a rapidly shifting climate play in pushing human innovation?

Whether you attended the presentation last week or are just joining us for the first time, your perspective is welcome.