Homo Neanderthalensis 1

Neanderthals were heavily built and very muscled. Their brain volume of 1200 to 1800 cubic centimeters, equal to and even larger than modern human brains. Their weight was 30% more than the modern human’s weight. Their skull and body morphology is different from the modern and archaic Homo sapiens morphology. They were particularly adapted with the midface projecting and ending in large front teeth. The evidence of their skull reconstruction show that they were separate species to modern humans. They had heavy brow ridges, a low sloping forehead and a very large nose. Strong evidence for the difference between humans and Neanderthals can be found in the morphology of the Neanderthal pelvis, which is different to a human pelvis. Neanderthals show adaptation to the cold northern climate, with short limbs and stocky bodies and flourished during a warmer interglacial period. They had a short period of dental growth and reached their adulthood by age 15. Geographically and chronologically dispersed Neanderthals hunted as top-level carnivores. There is also evidence from Gibraltar that when they lived in coastal areas, they exploited marine resources such as mollusks, seals, dolphins and fish. Isotopic chemical analyses of Neanderthal bones also tell scientists the average Neanderthal’s diet consisted of a lots of meat. Scientists have also found plaque on the remains of molar teeth containing starch grains—concrete evidence that Neandertals ate plants. Fossils provide evidence that they moved in small groups possibly occupying areas seasonally and hunting animals such as reindeer. As they did not use bows and arrows, or other projectiles, hunting such big game would have required a group strategy. A wooden spear found in the ribs of an Elephas skeleton at Lehringen (Germany), and a Levallois point embedded an Equus (horse) cervical vertebra from Umm el Tlel (Syria), are both attributed to Neanderthal hunting activity. Their hunting, using eight foot long wooden lances, must have brought them in very close contact with their prey. The Mousterian stone tool industry of Neanderthals is characterized by sophisticated flake tools that were detached from a prepared stone core. This innovative technique allowed flakes of predetermined shape to be removed and fashioned into tools from a single suitable stone. They used wood, such a spears, and regularly used fire. Their bones are thick and heavy, and show signs of powerful muscle attachments. Neandertals would have been extraordinarily strong by modern standards.

Height:

Males: average 5 ft 5 in (164 cm); Females: average 5 ft 1 in (155 cm)

Weight:

Males: average 143 lbs (65 kg); Females: average 119 lbs (54 kg)

They show a bit of a sexual dimorphism, however it is not that big as it is seen in earlier humans. Neanderthals used tools for activities like hunting and sewing. Left-right arm asymmetry indicates that they hunted with thrusting spears. A Neanderthal would probably have used a scraper to first clean the animal hide, and then used an awl to poke holes in it, and finally use strips of animal tissue to lace together a loose-fitting garment. Neanderthals were the first early humans to wear clothing, but it is only with modern humans that scientists find evidence of the manufacture and use of bone sewing needles to sew together tighter fitting clothing. Neanderthals controlled fire, lived in shelters, and occasionally made symbolic or ornamental objects. There is evidence that Neanderthals deliberately buried their dead and occasionally even marked their graves with offerings, such as flowers. No other primates, and no earlier human species, had ever practiced this sophisticated and symbolic behavior. They were capable of speaking and probably had language.

• Large round " apical tufts " to the finer tips;


• Robust finger bones;


• Enlarged rib cage, with barrel-chested build;


• Stout, bowed femoral shaft;


• Dorsal sulcus on scapula for more muscle attachments;


• Relatively short, bowed scapula;


• Long pelvic pubis (superior pubic ramus);


• Relatively short tibia and fibula (lower leg);


• Low forehead with occipital bun (chignon, occipital torus) & projecting mid-face ;


• Lack of chin (mental eminence);


• Long clavicle and large shoulder joint;


• Large and thick patella;


• occipital depression ( suprainiac fossa );


• supraorbital torus;


• A mastoid crest located behind the external auditory meatus ;


• Absence of a canine fossa;


• Presence of a retromolar space;

The average day for the Neanderthal would start early in the morning, setting up the fire an eating leftovers for breakfast. They were making some tools, if needed and hunting. In their environment they needed a great deal of energy during cold seasons, so getting food would probably be number one priority. They were very socialized, so I presume they spent most of their time in their group, caring about each other, teaching, helping and hunting. During the day they would track down big animals and cook their food at the evening with family.