How did the last ice age shape human survival and what lessons does it leave for the future?

The last recorded ice age on our planet is scientifically called the Würm, but is better known to the public as ice Age. It is estimated that it began about 110,000 years ago and ended around 9,700 BC. Holocenewhich is the current temperate climate period.

We find ourselves in a Interglacial stageBut there is interest in understanding whether we will survive the Ice Age. This is curious and goes beyond assumptions: several studies, the most recent published this year, have warned that the main ocean current that regulates climate It could collapse. As a result, Europe could witness a Little Ice Age In the coming decades.

Will we survive something like this? The answer can be found in the latest technological developments, but also in prehistoric studies.

Many existing studies allow us Expect challenges In different climate scenarios. Knowledge makes it easier for us to adopt appropriate strategies Paleoclimatic studies They are a valuable source of information.

Glaciers were associated with changes in rainfall and ecosystem distribution. Knowing these relationships allows Strategic planning and resource management.

About the 25,000 BC “The extremes of freezing cold” occurred, but human settlements did not disappear. Genetic studies show this Humans survived the Ice Age.

One of the most important aspects of survival is… Adaptability. During the last ice age, we had the ability to survive extreme weather conditions because we adapted.

Once climate change was identified, it became so Regular and predictable. When this happens, organisms develop adaptations to adapt to and manage these changes. These can be physiological, genetic or behavioral.

Examples of this include the nasal passages of Neanderthals and Sapiens. Their noses were able to warm and humidify the air and allowed them to capture sufficient volume.

Then the air had some Low oxygen levels than the current ones. Each species had its own anatomical evolution, but both adapted. They survived thanks to adaptations that gave them great physical strength, even though they were Modify their survival strategies. Food, supplies and housing were adapted to needs.

Consumption of animals has become necessary because The need for fat To generate internal heat.

he Hunting use It was intense. The remains of large animals even allowed them to live outside caves.

Not only did they occupy traditional habitat sites, such as caves and shelters, they also allowed themselves to become established Outdoor habitat locations. This has been proven by findings from cabins located in the coldest areas of Central Europe.

for him technology It's becoming increasingly complicated. The development of tools was based on the goal of obtaining meat and Marrow.

Marrow is the mass inside bones, especially longer, thicker bones (tibia, femur). It is composed of A 90% fat and rich in omega 3, minerals and vitamins. All this makes it a valuable food.

The marrow is also important Lamp fuel. The type of fat that marrow is made of does not produce smoke when ignited. This allowed our ancestors to have light and warmth indoors, with the advantage of not polluting the air or the walls.

Neanderthals and sapiens They shared the same technology. We can only appreciate the differences in fishing methods in the size of the species caught.

Within these strategies we also find displacement. Nomadic life was based on the search for better resources. All maintenance activities of the group had to be covered, while at the same time ensuring hunting, gathering and availability of fresh water.

In these movements, thanks to the glacial ice, Uninhabited places were colonized until that time. We refer, among other things, to the passage through the Bering Strait connecting Siberia with Alaska.

It has also enabled displacement Of mixed race. The need to adapt was relevant in Gene flow between humans obsolete

But, above all, they were Cooperation and assistance among humans Those that were allowed to remain. Integration, care and teamwork have become the main advantage in the face of adversity.

To all of the above we must add current technological progress. We have today Great advantages Compared to our ancestors. First of all, we have a stronger, more efficient infrastructure to provide heating in cold environments. There are also very sophisticated systems for storing and distributing food, and we have communications technologies. This is essential for Facilitating coordination and information exchange.

Research in genetics and biotechnology provides the tools for this Improve resistance and adaptability. Crops and livestock can be primed using these tools to create more cold-resistant subspecies. In the right context, a reliable source of nutrients can be ensured.

Environmental awareness can also be helpful. You must allow us Adopting sustainable practices And the transition towards clean energy sources.

Despite expectations, there will always be unique challenges: it will be necessary to combine innovation, global cooperation and natural resource management. We can only survive as such An inclusive community that works as a team.

In short, based on prehistory, we can conclude that We are better equipped and prepared From our ancestors who lived more than 25,000 years ago. Thanks to them and understanding our past, today we have valuable lessons for the future of our species.

*Cristina de Juana Ortín is a member of the teaching and research staff of the ART-QUEO Research Group at the International University of La Rioja.

*This article was originally published on Conversation.