The Science of Early Humans: What's the Difference Between Homo Sapiens and Neanderthals?
Fossil findings reveal distinct physical differences between Neanderthals and Homo sapiens.
Neanderthals are known for their distinctive eyebrow ridges and massive body builds, and are generally considered a simple ancestor of modern humans. At first glance, this ancient breed appears to have a shorter and wider build, a wider pelvis, thicker bones and a greater muscle mass.
Modern humans can be easily distinguished by their prominent chins.
Evolutionary biology experts state that this robust structure may have provided Neanderthals with greater thermal protection, thus helping them survive in the cold Eurasian climate. On the other hand, it is known that modern humans of African origin may have had less need for larger body volumes, which is the reason for our thinner structures.
Neanderthals also had much wider noses than we do.
This helped them warm up the cold air they breathed before it reached their lungs. Some theories suggest that Neanderthals' impressive physical strength may have been an adaptation to capturing large prey without complex weapons. However, debates over the evolutionary intent of these sizes are still largely unresolved.
Thanks to their greater breathing capacity, they could move their heavy bodies more easily.
Whatever the reason for the Neanderthals' large noses, we most likely inherited some of their large nose genes as a result of mating with these ancient ancestors. This explains why some modern humans have wide noses.
Additionally, examination of Neanderthal teeth has revealed that this species matured more quickly than Homo sapiens, perhaps reaching adulthood at age 15. These findings provide important information about the life cycle and development process of Neanderthals.
The most obvious differences between humans and Neanderthals can be seen in the size and shape of the skull.
Generally speaking, our skull size is similar to that of our ancient relatives. However, while we have a rounded cerebral cortex, Neanderthals had a flatter cerebral cortex.
This does not provide detailed information about cognitive differences, but a recent study found that Homo sapiens have a genetic mutation that favors the development of the prefrontal cortex, the brain region responsible for complex thinking ability. So, Neanderthals' brains may have been slightly larger than ours, but our superior intelligence may have been due to having a more advanced brain structure.
It is a common assumption that the intelligence of Neanderthals was not equal to ours.
However, contrary to this assumption, there is evidence of their ability to use fire, bury their dead, and even create artistic works. The Mousterian industry with which Neanderthals were associated bears similarity to the stone tools of early Homo sapiens. Of course, we've come a long way since then, and instead of flint scrapers, we use satellites and smartphones.
