Homo neanderthalensis

Definition

Homo neanderthalensis, commonly known as Neanderthals, is an extinct species of archaic humans that lived in Europe and parts of Asia from about 400,000 to 40,000 years ago. They are known for their robust build and distinctive features, such as a prominent brow ridge and a large cranial capacity, which indicate advanced cognitive abilities and adaptability to harsh environments.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Neanderthals were adapted to cold climates, possessing a stocky build and shorter limbs to conserve heat.
2. They were skilled toolmakers and used a variety of stone tools classified within the Mousterian industry.
3. Evidence shows that Neanderthals cared for their injured and elderly, indicating a level of social structure and empathy.
4. Neanderthals coexisted with early modern humans (Homo sapiens) for thousands of years, which led to some interbreeding.
5. Their extinction is attributed to a combination of climate change, competition with Homo sapiens, and possibly diseases.

Review Questions

• How did the physical characteristics of Homo neanderthalensis contribute to their survival in cold environments?
  • Homo neanderthalensis had physical characteristics that were well-suited for surviving in cold environments. Their stocky build helped to conserve body heat, while shorter limbs reduced heat loss. Additionally, they had larger nasal passages, which may have warmed the cold air they breathed. These adaptations provided them with an advantage in the harsh climates of Ice Age Europe.
• Discuss the significance of Neanderthal culture in understanding their social structure and behavior.
  • Neanderthal culture is significant because it reveals insights into their social structure and behavior. They created complex tools, used fire for cooking and warmth, and displayed burial practices that suggest a belief in an afterlife or respect for the dead. The evidence of caring for injured or elderly members indicates that they likely formed close-knit social groups, providing support and cooperation among individuals.
• Evaluate the factors leading to the extinction of Homo neanderthalensis and the implications for our understanding of human evolution.
  • The extinction of Homo neanderthalensis can be evaluated through various factors such as climate change that altered their habitats, competition with Homo sapiens for resources, and potential exposure to new diseases brought by modern humans. This extinction has significant implications for our understanding of human evolution as it highlights the adaptability of modern humans compared to Neanderthals. Additionally, genetic evidence of interbreeding suggests that Neanderthals contributed to the genetic makeup of contemporary non-African populations, offering a complex view of human ancestry.

Related terms

Archaic Humans: Early human species that exhibit both primitive and advanced traits, existing before the emergence of modern humans.

Neanderthal Culture: The set of behaviors and tools associated with Neanderthals, including their use of fire, hunting techniques, and burial practices.

Denisovans:

A closely related group of archaic humans discovered through genetic evidence, who lived in Asia around the same time as Neanderthals.