Neanderthals went extinct around 40,000 years ago due to a combination of factors. The main reasons include competition with modern humans (Homo sapiens), environmental changes, and their isolated lifestyle with low genetic diversity.

Competition with Homo sapiens

As modern humans migrated into Neanderthal territories, competition for resources like food and shelter intensified. Homo sapiens had technological advantages such as more diverse tools, long-distance trade, and better clothing, which may have given them a survival edge. Interactions included interbreeding, and possibly spread of diseases to which Neanderthals had no immunity, which could have contributed to their decline.

Environmental Changes

Neanderthals lived through the Ice Age, experiencing drastic climate shifts that affected their habitats and food sources. Rapid environmental fluctuations, including cold snaps and possibly volcanic events, likely challenged their ability to adapt, especially as large herbivores they hunted became less available.

Genetic Isolation and Low Diversity

Neanderthal populations were small and genetically isolated, leading to inbreeding and reduced genetic diversity, which would have made them less resilient to environmental changes and diseases. This genetic bottleneck may have further weakened their survival capacity.

Other Theories

Some studies propose that Neanderthals might have disappeared through interbreeding with Homo sapiens to the point where they were absorbed rather than outright extinct. Additionally, there is no conclusive evidence of violent conflict, and the extinction may have been gradual through a combination of factors.

In summary, Neanderthals likely went extinct due to a mix of competition and interbreeding with Homo sapiens, environmental challenges during the Ice Age, their limited genetic diversity, and possibly disease transmission.