Homo sapiens and Homo neanderthalensis (the Neanderthals) are both found in the same areas. In fact, the Neanderthals are better adapted to the cold: their large noses help to warm the air they breathe and their stocky bodies retain heat better. The Neanderthals and Homo sapiens both hunt Mammuthus primigenius, the woolly mammoth. The mammoths must migrate southward in the wintertime to find enough grass to eat, as their massive bodies require 600 pounds of grass every day. In the summertime, they migrate north and shed their heavy winter coats to keep cool. The humans must avoid Coelodonta antiquitatis, the woolly rhino, whose eyesight and temper are just as bad as his modern cousin's, as well as the European cave lion, who preys on humans. The humans also hunt Megaloceros, the "Irish elk" (it is actually a large species of deer), but they must be careful of its massive antlers.
Walking with Prehistoric Beasts has a documentary feel to the programme. The segments showing the animals are interspersed with commentary by paleontologists who discuss the animals and the evidence that we have for the recreations shown in the programme. It is definitely worth watching, and the companion book is a lush and informative reference.
For more recommended books about paleontology and links to Natural History Museums, be sure to visit my web site.
For more information about glaciers and the cycle of ice ages, be sure to read Wallace S. Broeker's excellent article "Glaciers that Speak in Tongues and other tales of global warming" in the October 2001 issue of Natural History.
