The social discussions frequently highlight the complexity of Neanderthal birch tar production, with phrases like 'complex method' and 'cumulative culture' indicating high regard for the findings. Users use technical language and emphasize the implications for understanding Neanderthal intelligence, reflecting both curiosity and recognition of the research’s importance.
AgreementModerate agreement
Most discussions agree that the production of birch tar by Neanderthals shows advanced cultural abilities, emphasizing the complexity and intentionality involved.
InterestHigh interest
Participants are highly interested, demonstrated by their curiosity about the methods and implications of Neanderthal technological capabilities.
EngagementHigh engagement
Posts show deep engagement, with references to specific techniques, such as underground distillation, and discussions of cumulative culture, indicating understanding and thoughtfulness.
ImpactModerate impact
The conversations suggest that this research significantly influences the understanding of Neanderthal cognition and cultural evolution, highlighting its importance in anthropology.
Abstract in brief
Birch tar is the oldest synthetic substance created by early humans, mainly associated with Neanderthals, and historically used to understand their technological and cultural development.
Recent studies show that birch tar can be produced through simple, accidental, or less controlled processes, meaning its production alone doesn't necessarily indicate advanced cognition in Neanderthals.
Chemical analysis of ancient birch tar from Knigsaue, Germany, indicates Neanderthals employed a complex, intentionally controlled method involving distillation in an underground environment, highlighting their capacity for cumulative cultural evolution.]
Production method of the Königsaue birch tar documents cumulative culture in Neanderthals https://t.co/dNhplLpvf6 https://t.co/K39y2gDjXZ
May 23, 2023 · 65 likes · 19 shares · 50,252 followersView post →
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Roberto Sáez
@robertosaezm · X
Producción compleja de brea de abedul por parte de neandertales en Königsaue (Alemania) hace entre 45-80 ka, mediante cocción reductora controlada.
Production method of the Königsaue birch tar documents cumulative culture in Neanderthals https://t.co/hCMkdT9PD2 https://t.co/fnK38ay4pz
Jun 17, 2023 · 60 likes · 6 shares · 12,534 followersView post →
RS
Roberto Sáez
@robertosaezm · X
Producción compleja de brea de abedul por parte de neandertales en Königsaue (Alemania) hace entre 45-80 ka, mediante cocción reductora controlada.
Production method of the Königsaue birch tar documents cumulative culture in Neanderthals https://t.co/hCMkdT9PD2 https://t.co/qW5GTpcrla
Proceso complejo de producción de brea de abedul por parte de neandertales en Königsaue, Alemania hace entre 45-80 ka, poco probable que se inventara espontáneamente.
Production method of the Königsaue birch tar documents cumulative culture in Neanderthals https://t.co/hCMkdT9PD2 https://t.co/5FgEfACWcT
May 27, 2023 · 44 likes · 14 shares · 12,534 followersView post →
JW
Jake Wintermute
@SynBio1 · X
Neanderthals used "heat treatment of birch bark in low-oxygen conditions ... to make birch tar"
If you're looking for a bioproduct idea, "Neanderthal Glue" has a certain ring to it
https://t.co/aLRMrutu6d https://t.co/GGIy7DKrYh
Dec 16, 2025 · 30 likes · 2 shares · 15,077 followersView post →
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A.Benítez-Burraco
@abenitezburraco · X
Cumulative culture in Neanderthals?
https://t.co/ZTQQ9jHsjS https://t.co/FXO1eGeIUW
May 31, 2023 · 11 likes · 3 shares · 5,937 followersView post →
Birch tar, the oldest synthetic substance, was produced by Neanderthals in a controlled underground distillation process, highlighting their technological skills and cultural evolution. Recent analyses emphasize…
Recent discoveries show Neanderthals used complex chemical processes, including controlled distillation, to produce birch tar, indicating advanced technological skills and cumulative cultural evolution.
RT @SynBio1: Neanderthals used "heat treatment of birch bark in low-oxygen conditions ... to make birch tar"
If you're looking for a biopr…
Dec 16, 2025 · 2 shares · 275 followersView post →
SC
Sebastian S. Cocioba
@ATinyGreenCell · X
RT @SynBio1: Neanderthals used "heat treatment of birch bark in low-oxygen conditions ... to make birch tar"
If you're looking for a biopr…
Dec 16, 2025 · 2 shares · 31,543 followersView post →
JW
Jake Wintermute
@SynBio1 · X
Neanderthals used "heat treatment of birch bark in low-oxygen conditions ... to make birch tar"
If you're looking for a bioproduct idea, "Neanderthal Glue" has a certain ring to it
https://t.co/aLRMrutu6d https://t.co/GGIy7DKrYh
Dec 16, 2025 · 30 likes · 2 shares · 15,077 followersView post →
PA
PH78-Afram Ape
@Phillip05166897 · X
RT @Phillip05166897: @TheRealNALee @cristinaaaat4 @NsPostingFs Update: so they did test and found Neanderthals did use the more complex met…
RT @Phillip05166897: @TheRealNALee @cristinaaaat4 @NsPostingFs Update: so they did test and found Neanderthals did use the more complex met…
Oct 23, 2024 · 3 shares · 1,580 followersView post →
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onionade
@hiddenjaundice · X
@aglayalilich learning how neanderthals made a very reliable adhesive for tools by distilling tar is wild. we yearn for the lab forever...
https://t.co/UbsgoRnrfp
Oct 12, 2023 · 86 shares · 1,581 followersView post →
PA
PH78-Afram Ape
@Phillip05166897 · X
@TheRealNALee @cristinaaaat4 @NsPostingFs Update: so they did test and found Neanderthals did use the more complex method.
https://t.co/cO7X1bTkSb
The point stands more complex adhesives were used in Southern Africa, among other innovations in my link.
https://t.co/DOxUgckl1v
Producción compleja de brea de abedul por parte de neandertales en Königsaue (Alemania) hace entre 45-80 ka, mediante cocción reductora controlada.
Production method of the Königsaue birch tar documents cumulative culture in Neanderthals https://t.co/hCMkdT9PD2 https://t.co/qW5GTpcrla
RT @robertosaezm: Producción compleja de brea de abedul por parte de neandertales en Königsaue (Alemania) hace entre 45-80 ka, mediante coc…
Jun 17, 2023 · 6 shares · 10,047 followersView post →
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Mario
@L_ssar · X
RT @robertosaezm: Producción compleja de brea de abedul por parte de neandertales en Königsaue (Alemania) hace entre 45-80 ka, mediante coc…
Jun 17, 2023 · 6 shares · 2,854 followersView post →
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Germán Zanza
@MadeinPangea · X
RT @robertosaezm: Producción compleja de brea de abedul por parte de neandertales en Königsaue (Alemania) hace entre 45-80 ka, mediante coc…
Jun 17, 2023 · 6 shares · 1,264 followersView post →
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Diego A.A.
@Kalysis · X
RT @robertosaezm: Producción compleja de brea de abedul por parte de neandertales en Königsaue (Alemania) hace entre 45-80 ka, mediante coc…
Jun 17, 2023 · 6 shares · 2,484 followersView post →
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Leonardo Scara
@leonardo_scara · X
RT @robertosaezm: Producción compleja de brea de abedul por parte de neandertales en Königsaue (Alemania) hace entre 45-80 ka, mediante coc…
Jun 17, 2023 · 6 shares · 162 followersView post →
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Roberto Sáez
@robertosaezm · X
Producción compleja de brea de abedul por parte de neandertales en Königsaue (Alemania) hace entre 45-80 ka, mediante cocción reductora controlada.
Production method of the Königsaue birch tar documents cumulative culture in Neanderthals https://t.co/hCMkdT9PD2 https://t.co/fnK38ay4pz
Jun 17, 2023 · 60 likes · 6 shares · 12,534 followersView post →
NW
NP AGARWAL世界一フォローを目指しますAiming best in world.
@np_grwl · X
RT @physorg_com: Study finds Neanderthals manufactured synthetic material with underground distillation https://t.co/e2rVLnDc5n https://t.c…
Jun 8, 2023 · 7 shares · 1,781 followersView post →
RT @gecko39: We found Neanderthals did not use simplest method to make tar
https://t.co/yEtTLZ1d3o
Rather, they distilled tar in an inte…
Jun 1, 2023 · 1 share · 2,120 followersView post →
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fj
@gecko39 · X
RT @gecko39: Degree of complexity unlikely to have been invented spontaneously
https://t.co/yEtTLZ1d3o
... suggests Neanderthals invented…
Jun 1, 2023 · 1 share · 2,120 followersView post →
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fj
@gecko39 · X
Degree of complexity unlikely to have been invented spontaneously
https://t.co/yEtTLZ1d3o
... suggests Neanderthals invented or developed process based on previous simpler methods & constitute one of clearest indicators of cumulative cultural evolution in EU Middle Palaeolithic https://t.co/0sbkpE3MRI
Jun 1, 2023 · 1 like · 1 share · 2,120 followersView post →
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fj
@gecko39 · X
RT @gecko39: Degree of complexity unlikely to have been invented spontaneously
https://t.co/yEtTLZ1d3o
... suggests Neanderthals invented…
Jun 1, 2023 · 1 share · 2,120 followersView post →
F
fj
@gecko39 · X
Degree of complexity unlikely to have been invented spontaneously
https://t.co/yEtTLZ1d3o
... suggests Neanderthals invented or developed process based on previous simpler methods & constitute one of clearest indicators of cumulative cultural evolution in EU Middle Palaeolithic https://t.co/Y6GBG4bF0W
Jun 1, 2023 · 1 like · 1 share · 2,120 followersView post →
F
fj
@gecko39 · X
RT @gecko39: Degree of complexity unlikely to have been invented spontaneously
https://t.co/yEtTLZ1d3o
... suggests Neanderthals invented…
Jun 1, 2023 · 1 share · 2,120 followersView post →
F
fj
@gecko39 · X
Degree of complexity unlikely to have been invented spontaneously
https://t.co/yEtTLZ1d3o
... suggests Neanderthals invented or developed process based on previous simpler methods & constitute one of clearest indicators of cumulative cultural evolution in EU Middle Palaeolithic
Jun 1, 2023 · 1 like · 1 share · 2,120 followersView post →
F
fj
@gecko39 · X
We found Neanderthals did not use simplest method to make tar
https://t.co/yEtTLZ1d3o
Rather, they distilled tar in an intentionally created underground environment that restricted oxygen flow and remained invisible during the process.
Jun 1, 2023 · 1 like · 1 share · 2,120 followersView post →
F
fj
@gecko39 · X
RT @gecko39: https://t.co/yEtTLZ1d3o
Jun 1, 2023 · 1 share · 2,120 followersView post →
F
fj
@gecko39 · X
https://t.co/yEtTLZ1d3o
Jun 1, 2023 · 1 like · 1 share · 2,120 followersView post →
お考
おやつMaster（考古学のおやつ）
@OyatsuMaster · X
#考古学のおやつ 3/3
▶ Patrick Schmidt et al. (2023) Production method of the Königsaue birch tar documents cumulative culture in Neanderthals. Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences, volume 15, Article number: 84.
[SpringerLink]
https://t.co/oTlm4Odr2K
Jun 1, 2023 · 5 likes · 2 shares · 4,268 followersView post →
RT @robertosaezm: Proceso complejo de producción de brea de abedul por parte de neandertales en Königsaue, Alemania hace entre 45-80 ka, po…
May 28, 2023 · 14 shares · 835 followersView post →
JR
Julian Rengifo
@rengifo_j · X
RT @robertosaezm: Proceso complejo de producción de brea de abedul por parte de neandertales en Königsaue, Alemania hace entre 45-80 ka, po…
May 28, 2023 · 14 shares · 276 followersView post →
AH
Argoantonia de Hispania
@Noemjimnez20 · X
RT @robertosaezm: Proceso complejo de producción de brea de abedul por parte de neandertales en Königsaue, Alemania hace entre 45-80 ka, po…
May 28, 2023 · 14 shares · 471 followersView post →
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itslanang
@whoislanang · X
RT @robertosaezm: Proceso complejo de producción de brea de abedul por parte de neandertales en Königsaue, Alemania hace entre 45-80 ka, po…
May 28, 2023 · 14 shares · 78 followersView post →
GG
Gebnaturalistas geb
@gebnaturalistas · X
RT @robertosaezm: Proceso complejo de producción de brea de abedul por parte de neandertales en Königsaue, Alemania hace entre 45-80 ka, po…
May 28, 2023 · 14 shares · 708 followersView post →
JP
Joel López Parés
@jovepaleontoleg · X
RT @robertosaezm: Proceso complejo de producción de brea de abedul por parte de neandertales en Königsaue, Alemania hace entre 45-80 ka, po…
May 28, 2023 · 14 shares · 1,469 followersView post →
MR
Mario C. Rosina
@MarioRosinaB · X
RT @robertosaezm: Proceso complejo de producción de brea de abedul por parte de neandertales en Königsaue, Alemania hace entre 45-80 ka, po…
May 28, 2023 · 14 shares · 162 followersView post →
VA
Video Actualidad
@Videoactualidad · X
RT @robertosaezm: Proceso complejo de producción de brea de abedul por parte de neandertales en Königsaue, Alemania hace entre 45-80 ka, po…
May 28, 2023 · 14 shares · 166 followersView post →
RB
Ramiro Saavedra-Becerra
@rasbe · X
RT @robertosaezm: Proceso complejo de producción de brea de abedul por parte de neandertales en Königsaue, Alemania hace entre 45-80 ka, po…
May 27, 2023 · 14 shares · 8,871 followersView post →
EB
Enki Bebidas
@EnkiBebidas · X
RT @robertosaezm: Proceso complejo de producción de brea de abedul por parte de neandertales en Königsaue, Alemania hace entre 45-80 ka, po…
May 27, 2023 · 14 shares · 143 followersView post →
EO
Eduard C. Olaru
@Eduard_Olaru84 · X
RT @robertosaezm: Proceso complejo de producción de brea de abedul por parte de neandertales en Königsaue, Alemania hace entre 45-80 ka, po…
May 27, 2023 · 14 shares · 17 followersView post →
MA
Mirada Antropologica
@AntropologiaGC · X
RT @robertosaezm: Proceso complejo de producción de brea de abedul por parte de neandertales en Königsaue, Alemania hace entre 45-80 ka, po…
May 27, 2023 · 14 shares · 2,889 followersView post →
MS
@Monje314@astrodon.social
@Monje314 · X
RT @robertosaezm: Proceso complejo de producción de brea de abedul por parte de neandertales en Königsaue, Alemania hace entre 45-80 ka, po…
May 27, 2023 · 14 shares · 185 followersView post →
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Cowudi
@Cowudi · X
RT @robertosaezm: Proceso complejo de producción de brea de abedul por parte de neandertales en Königsaue, Alemania hace entre 45-80 ka, po…
May 27, 2023 · 14 shares · 646 followersView post →
DA
Diego A.A.
@Kalysis · X
RT @robertosaezm: Proceso complejo de producción de brea de abedul por parte de neandertales en Königsaue, Alemania hace entre 45-80 ka, po…
May 27, 2023 · 14 shares · 2,484 followersView post →
RS
Roberto Sáez
@robertosaezm · X
Proceso complejo de producción de brea de abedul por parte de neandertales en Königsaue, Alemania hace entre 45-80 ka, poco probable que se inventara espontáneamente.
Production method of the Königsaue birch tar documents cumulative culture in Neanderthals https://t.co/hCMkdT9PD2 https://t.co/5FgEfACWcT
May 27, 2023 · 44 likes · 14 shares · 12,534 followersView post →
AH
aras hitchens
@NjtAras · X
RT @Qafzeh: Production method of the Königsaue birch tar documents cumulative culture in Neanderthals https://t.co/dNhplLpvf6 https://t.co/…
May 24, 2023 · 19 shares · 973 followersView post →
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TheUrbanAboriginal
@TheUrbanAbo · X
RT @Qafzeh: Production method of the Königsaue birch tar documents cumulative culture in Neanderthals https://t.co/dNhplLpvf6 https://t.co/…
May 24, 2023 · 19 shares · 1,775 followersView post →
A
AHEADmeeting
@AHEADmeeting_ · X
RT @Qafzeh: Production method of the Königsaue birch tar documents cumulative culture in Neanderthals https://t.co/dNhplLpvf6 https://t.co/…
May 24, 2023 · 19 shares · 1,457 followersView post →
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Pyroarchaeology
@pyroarchaeology · X
RT @Qafzeh: Production method of the Königsaue birch tar documents cumulative culture in Neanderthals https://t.co/dNhplLpvf6 https://t.co/…
May 24, 2023 · 19 shares · 293 followersView post →
MZ
Mellodi Zintkala
@MZintkala · X
RT @AthopeMarie: The production method of the Königsaue birch tar documents cumulative culture in Neanderthals.
Birch tar is the oldest syn…
May 23, 2023 · 5 shares · 5,591 followersView post →
DK
Dr. Larry B Keating
@DrLarryBKeating · X
RT @Qafzeh: Production method of the Königsaue birch tar documents cumulative culture in Neanderthals https://t.co/dNhplLpvf6 https://t.co/…
May 23, 2023 · 19 shares · 808 followersView post →
MS
María Martín Seijo
@mmartinseijo · X
RT @Qafzeh: Production method of the Königsaue birch tar documents cumulative culture in Neanderthals https://t.co/dNhplLpvf6 https://t.co/…
May 23, 2023 · 19 shares · 367 followersView post →
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Marius
@MariusMpunkt · X
RT @AthopeMarie: The production method of the Königsaue birch tar documents cumulative culture in Neanderthals.
Birch tar is the oldest syn…
RT @AthopeMarie: The production method of the Königsaue birch tar documents cumulative culture in Neanderthals.
Birch tar is the oldest syn…
May 23, 2023 · 5 shares · 1,600 followersView post →
S
snonds
@snonds · X
RT @AthopeMarie: The production method of the Königsaue birch tar documents cumulative culture in Neanderthals.
Birch tar is the oldest syn…
May 23, 2023 · 5 shares · 1,384 followersView post →
DA
Damien Marie AtHope Ⓐ
@AthopeMarie · X
The production method of the Königsaue birch tar documents cumulative culture in Neanderthals.
Birch tar is the oldest synthetic substance made by early humans. The earliest such artifacts are associated with Neanderthals.
https://t.co/3NFBtkdjAv https://t.co/XmVJdUSClP
May 23, 2023 · 6 likes · 5 shares · 10,332 followersView post →
SH
Sally Hoare
@Dr_sally_hoare · X
RT @Qafzeh: Production method of the Königsaue birch tar documents cumulative culture in Neanderthals https://t.co/dNhplLpvf6 https://t.co/…
May 23, 2023 · 19 shares · 779 followersView post →
D
danieloso
@danieloso · X
RT @Qafzeh: Production method of the Königsaue birch tar documents cumulative culture in Neanderthals https://t.co/dNhplLpvf6 https://t.co/…
May 23, 2023 · 19 shares · 16,919 followersView post →
RS
Roberto Sáez
@robertosaezm · X
RT @Qafzeh: Production method of the Königsaue birch tar documents cumulative culture in Neanderthals https://t.co/dNhplLpvf6 https://t.co/…
May 23, 2023 · 19 shares · 12,534 followersView post →
LJ
Lili Ja
@LiviaJansen1 · X
RT @Qafzeh: Production method of the Königsaue birch tar documents cumulative culture in Neanderthals https://t.co/dNhplLpvf6 https://t.co/…
May 23, 2023 · 19 shares · 21 followersView post →
CT
Claudio Tennie
@CTennie · X
RT @Qafzeh: Production method of the Königsaue birch tar documents cumulative culture in Neanderthals https://t.co/dNhplLpvf6 https://t.co/…
May 23, 2023 · 19 shares · 2,290 followersView post →
DA
Dave Aitel
@daveaitel · X
RT @Qafzeh: Production method of the Königsaue birch tar documents cumulative culture in Neanderthals https://t.co/dNhplLpvf6 https://t.co/…
May 23, 2023 · 19 shares · 28,180 followersView post →
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PaleoAnthropology+
@Qafzeh · X
Production method of the Königsaue birch tar documents cumulative culture in Neanderthals https://t.co/dNhplLpvf6 https://t.co/K39y2gDjXZ
May 23, 2023 · 65 likes · 19 shares · 50,252 followersView post →
F
Neanderthals were capable of empathy and care
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com/article/10.1007/s12520-023-01789-2 • I have to admit, I am dumber than a Neanderthal, for I could not do this without a teacher! 2 ...
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