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 600,000 years ago.

Physical Characteristics

Neanderthals had a robust build, with a stocky and muscular body adapted for cold environments. They had a prominent brow ridge, a large nose for humidifying and warming cold, dry air, and a larger braincase than modern humans. Their distinctive physical features helped them survive in harsh Ice Age conditions.

Culture and Tools

Neanderthals were skilled hunters and used a wide variety of tools, including stone flakes, hand axes, and spears. They also created and used symbolic objects, buried their dead, and may have had complex social structures, language, and symbolic expression.

Genetic Legacy

Modern humans of non-African descent have inherited approximately 1-2% of their DNA from Neanderthals through interbreeding when modern humans migrated out of Africa and encountered Neanderthals in Europe and Asia.

Extinction

The reasons for the extinction of Neanderthals are still debated among scientists. Possible factors include competition with modern humans, climate change, and other environmental pressures.

Study Guide Questions

1. What are the physical characteristics of Neanderthals that helped them survive in Ice Age conditions?
2. What kind of tools did Neanderthals use, and how did they contribute to their survival?
3. How did interbreeding with Neanderthals impact the genetic legacy of modern humans?
4. What are some possible reasons for the extinction of Neanderthals?