- The most comprehensive data set on the distribution of Neanderthals finds abiotic (climate & topography) drivers played an important role in shaping Neanderthals distribution during the Last Interglacial, and challenges the notion of Neanderthals as a species with preference for colder environments. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jbi.12845/full 3 comments science