Homo Neanderthalensis

Homo neanderthalensis, also known as Neanderthals, were a species of archaic humans who lived in Eurasia until about 40,000 years ago. They are our closest extinct human relatives, sharing a common ancestor with modern humans (Homo sapiens) around 500,000 years ago.

Physical Characteristics

Neanderthals had a robust build, with a stocky, muscular body adapted for cold climates. They had a larger braincase than modern humans, with a distinctive brow ridge and a sloping forehead. Their limbs were shorter and more heavily built than those of modern humans, reflecting their adaptation to the cold and their reliance on physical strength for hunting and survival.

Behavior and Culture

Neanderthals were skilled hunters and used tools such as spears and stone tools to hunt and butcher animals. They also used fire for cooking and warmth, and evidence suggests they had complex social structures and cared for their sick and elderly. They lived in small, nomadic groups and likely had some form of language and symbolic expression, although the extent of these abilities is still debated among scientists.

Interactions with Modern Humans

There is evidence of interbreeding between Neanderthals and early modern humans when they coexisted in Europe and Asia. This genetic legacy can still be found in the DNA of people of non-African descent today, with modern humans of Eurasian descent carrying around 1-2% Neanderthal DNA.

Extinction

The reasons for the extinction of Neanderthals are still debated, but factors such as climate change, competition with modern humans, and possible interbreeding leading to genetic assimilation have been proposed as contributing factors.

Study Guide for Homo Neanderthalensis

1. Describe the physical characteristics of Neanderthals and explain how these features were adapted to their environment.
2. Discuss the behavioral and cultural attributes of Neanderthals, including their hunting techniques, tool use, and social structures.
3. Explain the evidence of interbreeding between Neanderthals and modern humans and its genetic legacy in today's human populations.
4. Debate the potential reasons for the extinction of Neanderthals and evaluate the different hypotheses proposed by scientists.