Neanderthals: Prehistory's Hominids
Their Anatomy, Primative Society, and Evolutionary Fate.
Aug 20, 2008
Most scientists classify Neanderthal as its own species pointing to the anatomical differences between it and Homo sapiens.
What did Neanderthal's look like?
Physically Neanderthals were slightly shorter but more heavily muscled than contemporary Homo sapiens. Neanderthals had distinctive cranial features included prominent brow ridges, low, sloping foreheads, a chinless and heavy, forward-jutting jaw, and exceptionally large front teeth. The Neanderthals shoulders and pelvis were wider with a rib cage that was more conical in shape. The Neanderthals forearms and lower legs were shorter than modern Homo sapiens.
The Primative Hominid.
When put into the proper evolutionary perspective, Neanderthal anatomy portrays the characteristics of a large and somewhat “primitive” hominid. It even appears as though the evolutionary path of Homo sapiens had somehow reversed itself but this hulking behemoth image is offset by the observation that the Neanderthal braincase measured on average about 1600 cc. That makes the Neanderthals cranial capacity larger than contemporary Homo sapiens!
Neanderthal Anatomy.
Theories have abounded about the distinctive anatomy of Neanderthals the most prevalent being that the Neanderthal’s body reflects the fact that they were the first hominid to spend extensive periods of time in extremely cold environments, having evolved in Europe at the onset of the most recent freezing of that continent. Scientists believe their thick, squat build was adapted specifically to maintain a higher body temperature under harsh climatic conditions. The Neanderthal’s large front teeth may have reflected a practice common among Eskimo populations of softening animal skins for use by chewing on them. The concept of forceful chewing is also evidenced by the heavy jaw and brow ridge, both of which serve to buttress powerful muscles.
Did Neanderthal's have a society?
Culturally, Neanderthals are closely associated with the stone-tool tradition of the middle Paleolithic. Neanderthals were believed to be proficient hunters making effective use of primitive weapons. As in most cold environments, plant foods were probably relatively scarce and consumed only seasonally and therefore the hunter would hold a prestigious position when providing food during the harsh times. There is evidence of aesthetic choice and of developed religious beliefs among Neanderthals remains. Thought the evidence is relatively scant and controversial, many experts to question the extent of their linguistic capabilities.
Neanderthal DNA.
Controversy also persists regarding the fate of Neanderthals, with opinion divided between those who argue that they became extinct and were replaced by modern Homo sapiens and those who argue that their anatomical distinctions were diluted through gene flow with other Homo sapiens. Tests conducted on surviving Neanderthal DNA have shown little similarity to the DNA of modern humans.
Source:
Prince-Hughes, Dawn. The Archetype of the Ape-man: The Phenomenological Archaeology of a Relic Hominid Ancestor. Universal Publishers; 2000.
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