The mystery of how early humans survived the Ice Age while Neanderthals disappeared into evolutionary oblivion may lie in their choice of outerwear.

A new study suggests that our ancestors had invented cosy fur-lined coats, similar to modern Parkas, while Neanderthals were left shivering in draughty capes.

Archaeologists have long argued about why humans are the only surviving hominid even though other species of ‘homo’ had similar-sized brains and were physically stronger.