The Homo neanderthalensis or Neanderthal is an extinct species that is commonly referred as the “cave man”. It is said to be one of the closest related to modern humans with a small genetic difference in their DNA. The species was believed to have continued to live for hundreds of thousands of years in tremendously severe conditions. Physical Characteristics
Even though the Neanderthal and Human are said to be closely related, the Neanderthal differs from the human in many factors. One of those is that from the research they had a more of a tough build. Not only was the build different, but their brain was about as large as the Homo sapiens, or even bigger which would be proportional to their bigger build because of the environment that they …show more content…
With this information we know that there was a sexual dimorphism current, however it was slight in comparison to earlier human species.
Ecology and Habitat
Neanderthals lived at the same time with modern humans (Homo sapiens) for a long period. Neanderthals are believed to have lived 400,000 to 40,000 years ago, where the first Neanderthal was found in 1829 in Germany.
Neanderthals were later found in many places including Belgium, Israel, southern china, etc.… This showed that Neanderthals were more commonly found in Europe and southwestern to central Asia.
These areas where Neanderthals lived and thrived were with warmer periods but average temperatures were on the decline and full ice-cold conditions had appeared by 40,000 years ago. Judging by the fossils of Neanderthals, compared to modern humans, they were short and more built. According to research, this shows the ability to conserve body heat more efficiently and allowed them to withstand living in cold climates during ice ages. …show more content…
Typically, the main source of nutrients would be meat because it is apparent that they ate meat because of the attrition (wear) and abrasion of the tooth shown in the fossils of the Neanderthals. Though there is evidence that shows that meat is a source of protein there are some scientists that speculate Neanderthals did not just eat meat.
It is also shown that Neanderthals were able to obtain meat since they were hunters. Like modern humans, they were intelligent enough to be able to make and use tools. Scientist found tools and large animal remains which gives evidence to how they were getting nutrients. Tools included wooden spears for more efficient hunting or even tools for other activities like sewing. These tools ensured a higher chance of killing and capturing animals with ease and efficiency.
Scientists have also found plaque on the molar tooth of Neanderthal that contain starch grains which shows evidence that plants were part of their diet, as well. Although, research has found that “Neanderthals as well as early Homo sapiens show high dietary variability in Mediterranean evergreen habitats but a more restricted diet in upper latitude steppe/coniferous forest environments, suggesting a significant consumption of high protein meat resources.” (Fiorenza, Benazzi and
Even though the Neanderthal and Human are said to be closely related, the Neanderthal differs from the human in many factors. One of those is that from the research they had a more of a tough build. Not only was the build different, but their brain was about as large as the Homo sapiens, or even bigger which would be proportional to their bigger build because of the environment that they …show more content…
With this information we know that there was a sexual dimorphism current, however it was slight in comparison to earlier human species.
Ecology and Habitat
Neanderthals lived at the same time with modern humans (Homo sapiens) for a long period. Neanderthals are believed to have lived 400,000 to 40,000 years ago, where the first Neanderthal was found in 1829 in Germany.
Neanderthals were later found in many places including Belgium, Israel, southern china, etc.… This showed that Neanderthals were more commonly found in Europe and southwestern to central Asia.
These areas where Neanderthals lived and thrived were with warmer periods but average temperatures were on the decline and full ice-cold conditions had appeared by 40,000 years ago. Judging by the fossils of Neanderthals, compared to modern humans, they were short and more built. According to research, this shows the ability to conserve body heat more efficiently and allowed them to withstand living in cold climates during ice ages. …show more content…
Typically, the main source of nutrients would be meat because it is apparent that they ate meat because of the attrition (wear) and abrasion of the tooth shown in the fossils of the Neanderthals. Though there is evidence that shows that meat is a source of protein there are some scientists that speculate Neanderthals did not just eat meat.
It is also shown that Neanderthals were able to obtain meat since they were hunters. Like modern humans, they were intelligent enough to be able to make and use tools. Scientist found tools and large animal remains which gives evidence to how they were getting nutrients. Tools included wooden spears for more efficient hunting or even tools for other activities like sewing. These tools ensured a higher chance of killing and capturing animals with ease and efficiency.
Scientists have also found plaque on the molar tooth of Neanderthal that contain starch grains which shows evidence that plants were part of their diet, as well. Although, research has found that “Neanderthals as well as early Homo sapiens show high dietary variability in Mediterranean evergreen habitats but a more restricted diet in upper latitude steppe/coniferous forest environments, suggesting a significant consumption of high protein meat resources.” (Fiorenza, Benazzi and