最新研究顯示，尼安德塔人嬰兒的發育速度遠快於現代人類。
New study shows Neanderthal infants grew much faster than humans
近期刊登於《當代生物學》雜誌的一項研究顯示，尼安德塔人嬰兒的成長速度顯著快於現代人類嬰兒。
A recent study published in Current Biology has revealed that Neanderthal infants grew significantly faster than modern human infants.
研究人員透過檢測一具在以色列發現、距今五萬一千年的「阿木德七」(Amud 7)骨骸，發現了發育上令人著迷的差異。
By examining the Amud 7 skeleton, a 51,000-year-old specimen found in Israel, researchers discovered a fascinating difference in development.
雖然該嬰兒的牙齒顯示其年齡僅六個月大，但其骨骼大小與發育狀況卻相當於十二至十四個月大的人類幼童。
While the infant's teeth indicated it was only six months old, its skeletal size and bone development were equivalent to a human toddler aged 12 to 14 months.
這種加速成長模式在其他尼安德塔人骨骸標本中也有所觀察，證實這是一種共同特徵而非異常現象。
This pattern of accelerated growth was also observed in other Neanderthal specimens, confirming it was a common trait rather than an anomaly.
科學家認為，這種快速成長策略是適應冰河時期歐亞大陸嚴苛且難以預測環境的演化結果。
Scientists believe this fast-growth strategy was an adaptation to the harsh, unpredictable environment of Ice Age Eurasia.
透過迅速達到身體成熟，尼安德塔人可能提升了在寒冷氣候中的生存機率。
By reaching physical maturity quickly, Neanderthals may have improved their chances of survival in cold climates.
相對地，智人 (Homo sapiens) 演化出漫長而緩慢的童年期。
In contrast, Homo sapiens evolved to have a long, slow childhood.
儘管我們優先重視長期且受保護的認知擴張階段，但我們的尼安德塔親戚卻優先考量身體的強健度與速度。
While we prioritize a long, protected period of cognitive expansion, our Neanderthal relatives prioritized physical robustness and speed.
這種基本的差異強調了現代人類所走的獨特演化道路，也凸顯出我們悠長的童年期是一段相對近期且具有特色的生物學成功故事。
This fundamental difference underscores the unique evolutionary path that modern humans have taken, highlighting that our long childhood is a relatively recent and distinctive biological success story.
