Who is neanderthal

Scientific evidence suggests our two species shared a common ancestor. Current evidence from both fossils and DNA suggests that Neanderthal and modern human lineages separated at least , years ago. Some genetic calibrations place their divergence at about , years ago. Both dating issues and fossil anatomy mean that scientists are currently uncertain whether the last common ancestor of Neanderthals and modern humans was Homo heidelbergensis , Homo antecessor or another species.

Neanderthals lived alongside early modern humans for at least part of their existence. The Neanderthals have a long evolutionary history. The earliest known examples of Neanderthal-like fossils are around , years old. The best-known Neanderthals lived between about , and 40, years ago, after which all physical evidence of them vanishes.

Known as Tabun 1, this Neanderthal specimen is around , years old. Neanderthals evolved in Europe and Asia while modern humans - our species, Homo sapiens - were evolving in Africa. Judging from fossil evidence from Sima de los Huesos in northern Spain and Swanscombe in Kent, the Neanderthal lineage was already well-established in Europe by , years ago. The species ranged widely in Eurasia, from Portugal and Wales in the west across to the Altai Mountains of Siberia in the east.

Neanderthal populations were adaptable, living in cold steppe environments in England and Siberia about 60, years ago, and in warm temperate woodlands in Spain and Italy about , years ago.

Neanderthals had a long, low skull compared to the more globular skull of modern humans with a characteristic prominent brow ridge above their eyes. Their face was also distinctive. The central part of the face protruded forward and was dominated by a very big, wide nose. Some scientists think this feature may have been an adaptation to living in colder, drier environments. The large internal volume of the nose would have acted to moisten and warm the air they breathed.

Their front teeth were large, and scratch-marks show they were regularly used like a third hand when preparing food and other materials. Unlike modern humans, Neanderthals didn't have much of a chin. Side views of an approximately 50,year-old Neanderthal skull from La Ferrassie, France, next to an approximately 20,year-old Homo sapiens fossil from Abri Pataud, France.

The modern human has a more rounded skull and lacks the prominent brow ridge present in the Neanderthal. Neanderthals had strong, muscular bodies, and wide hips and shoulders. Adults grew to about 1.

Early Neanderthals were taller on average than later Neanderthals, but their weight was about the same. Model of a Homo neanderthalensis skeleton front and back views. Neanderthals had stocky physiques with short lower legs and lower arms. Their short, stocky physiques were suited to cold environments.

The bulky trunk, in addition to their short lower leg and lower arm bones, gave Neanderthals proportions that would have minimised the skin's surface area, presumably to conserve heat under the predominantly colder conditions of the last , years. Some researchers argue that this physique also gave the Neanderthals greater power in their arms and legs for close-range ambushes during hunting. Despite their reputation as being primitive 'cavemen', Neanderthals were actually very intelligent and accomplished humans.

These were no 'ape-men'. So it's unfair to them that the word Neanderthal is used as an insult today. The brain size of late Neanderthals ranged from at least 1,cm 3 to 1,cm 3. This is larger than the modern average, but in proportion to their body size. Homo sapiens skulls from around 30, years ago also had larger brains on average than people today. Neanderthals were skilled tool makers, as evidenced by excavated objects such as spears and flint handaxes.

Around , years ago Neanderthals developed an innovative stone technology known as the Levallois technique. This involved making pre-shaped stone cores that could be finessed into a finished tool at a later time. It meant Neanderthals were free to travel away from sources of raw material and yet be able to make tools when needed. We know from injuries found on their prey - such as mammoths, bison and reindeer - that Neanderthals were proficient hunters, intelligent and able to communicate.

Healed and unhealed bone damage found on Neanderthals themselves suggest they killed large animals at close range - a risky strategy that would have required considerable skill, strength and bravery. Text Text on this page is printable and can be used according to our Terms of Service. Interactives Any interactives on this page can only be played while you are visiting our website.

Related Resources. Human Evolution. View Video. The Alphabet of DNA. Evolution: Changing Species Over Time. The diverse origins of the human gene pool. Nat Rev Genet. PubMed: The genomic landscape of Neanderthal ancestry in present-day humans. Epub Jan Other chapters in Help Me Understand Genetics. Genetics Home Reference has merged with MedlinePlus. Learn more. The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice.

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