Neanderthals' undoing: Their lack of jackets

Researchers conclude humans may have outlasted Neanderthals because they figured out how to make jackets. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Justifying concerned mothers everywhere, a group of researchers believes Neanderthals could have survived the Ice Age if they'd just worn a dang jacket. According to a study published Wednesday in the Journal of Anthropological Archaeology, dozens of ancient campsites—both human and Neanderthal—contain little evidence that Neanderthals ever figured out how to make cold-weather clothing.

Humans on the other hand—well, we're still here. Remains of rabbits, foxes, minks, and wolverines were found at human campsites, Phys.org reports. Of those, wolverine is the most important.

It's still used to make warm clothing by people living in the Arctic. However, no wolverine remains were found in Neanderthal camps, notes the Telegraph.

Other evidence for humans unlocking the power of prehistoric North Face includes bone needles and ancient figurines that appear to be wearing furs. Meanwhile, researchers conclude Neanderthals never made it further than wearing capes, whether because they weren't smart enough or their culture stopped them from doing so.

Without good cold-weather clothing, Neanderthals couldn't hunt further north, lie in wait for their prey, or spend long amounts of time away from shelter. A professor at the Natural History Museum in London calls the study "a really interesting bit of work." (Those jacket-wearing humans may have also given Neanderthals herpes.)

This article originally appeared on Newser: Study: Neanderthals Were Doomed by Lack of Jackets