Fact Check: Cavemen had more testosterone than modern men

Fact-Check: "Cavemen had more testosterone than modern men"

What We Know

The claim that "cavemen had more testosterone than modern men" is supported by various studies and analyses of human evolution and hormonal changes over time. Research indicates that early humans, including Neanderthals and other hominins, exhibited physical traits associated with higher testosterone levels, such as more pronounced brow ridges and elongated facial structures (Psychology Today).

A study analyzing skulls from different periods found that the facial features of more recent human skulls suggest a decrease in testosterone levels over the past 80,000 years, which may correlate with the development of more cooperative social behaviors (Archaeology.org). Additionally, a blog post on testosterone levels suggests that testosterone levels in modern men have significantly decreased compared to those in the 1960s and earlier (TestosteroneDecline.com).

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim comes from a combination of anthropological studies and hormonal research. For instance, the study from Duke University highlights that changes in human skull morphology over millennia may be linked to declining testosterone levels, suggesting that as humans transitioned to more complex social structures, their testosterone levels may have decreased (Psychology Today).

However, while these studies provide compelling evidence of a trend, they do not definitively quantify testosterone levels in ancient humans compared to modern men. The estimates of testosterone levels in ancient populations are based on indirect measures, such as skull morphology and other physical traits, rather than direct hormonal testing (Rick Collins).

Moreover, the reliability of the sources varies. For instance, while peer-reviewed studies and reputable publications lend credibility to the findings, some sources, like TestosteroneDecline.com, acknowledge that their data may be uncertain and should be interpreted with caution (TestosteroneDecline.com).

Conclusion

The claim that "cavemen had more testosterone than modern men" is Partially True. There is substantial evidence suggesting that early humans exhibited physical traits associated with higher testosterone levels, and that modern testosterone levels have declined over the past several decades. However, the lack of direct hormonal data from ancient populations makes it difficult to assert this claim with absolute certainty. The relationship between testosterone and social behavior is complex, and while there is a correlation, causation cannot be definitively established based on current evidence.

Fact Check: Cavemen had more testosterone than modern men