The reasons for Captain Scott’s heroic failure to become the first to conquer the South Pole have excited fevered debate for more than a century.

Was the British expedition beaten by Rauld Amundsen’s Norwegian team by just over a month because of unfavourable weather; did they mismanage their supplies; was it the failure of the relief dogs to turn up that ultimately sealed Scott’s icy fate on the long return march?

All these undoubtedly played a role, but now NASA scientists have come up with a previously overlooked explanation: unlike the Norwegians, Scott didn’t have a joker in his team.

Scientists researching the ideal group dynamic for a manned mission to Mars have identified the crucial role of a “class clown” for relieving tension and providing a focal point in high-pressure situations.

The insight was inspired by the records of Amundsen’s successful bid for the Pole, and in particular the praise heaped on the expedition’s jovial cook, Adolf Lindstrom.