Neanderthals hunted cave bears, but probably not using atlatls Stocktrek Images, Inc. / Alamy
An ancient spear-throwing tool enabled prehistoric hunters to boost the distance they could launch a feathered projectile – but the unexpected negative effects of gravity on the tool may explain why it was never adopted by Neanderthals and some Homo sapiens groups.
The spear-throwing tool – which is known as an atlatl – is a handheld stick with a groove at the end for holding a projectile. It acts as a lever to amplify the projectile-flinging momentum that can be achieved by the human arm.
