“Neanderthals Really Were All Fired Up” read a Discover headline, discussing new scientific evidence that our prehistoric cousins added “powdered manganese to their tinder to make it more combustible because yes, they were producing fire on their own.” Did we humans—Homo sapiens—learn how to make fire from another species, the Neanderthal?
Legacy, the imprint one leaves behind, is most often thought of in terms of how humans leave resources and knowledge behind for future generations of our own species. However, there are instances we can point to in which the legacy of one species has influenced the trajectory of another. One such example lies in the legacy of Neanderthals, an extinct species. Although they vanished tens of thousands of years ago, their innovations may have been pivotal in the development of Homo sapiens. Recent research suggests that the technique of creating and using fire—which provided warmth, light, protection, and a means for cooking food—was likely shared with our early human ancestors.
Similarly, as we contemplate the legacy that Homo sapiens may eventually leave behind, one of the most poignant examples centers around the efforts of Ted Turner, the media mogul and conservationist. Turner’s groundbreaking initiative to restore the American bison population has become emblematic of humanity’s potential to rectify past mistakes and create a sustainable future. In the late 1980s, Turner established the Turner Bison Ranch in Montana, where he effectively bred bison in a controlled environment, which then grew the herds back to viable numbers. By raising awareness and promoting bison as a vital part of the ecosystem, he has encouraged a broader discussion on wildlife preservation and the importance of biodiversity in our changing climate.
As Turner said, “We’re the only ones who can make a difference. If we don’t, who will?” Whether Homo sapiens evolves into something new or faces extinction one day, our legacy will be defined by making the world around us better for all species. Turner’s dedication to the bison illustrates that humans possess a unique ability to benefit other species by choice.
