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Neanderthals: Traits, Lifestyle, and Extinction

Neanderthals (Homo neanderthalensis) lived from ~400,000–40,000 years ago and were a sister species to Homo sapiens, characterized by robust bodies and advanced tool use. They exhibited social behaviors, including care for the injured, and contributed to the genetic makeup of modern non-African humans through interbreeding. Their extinction around 40,000 years ago was influenced by climate change, competition with Homo sapiens, and other factors, yet their legacy remains in contemporary human DNA.

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7 views2 pages

Neanderthals: Traits, Lifestyle, and Extinction

Neanderthals (Homo neanderthalensis) lived from ~400,000–40,000 years ago and were a sister species to Homo sapiens, characterized by robust bodies and advanced tool use. They exhibited social behaviors, including care for the injured, and contributed to the genetic makeup of modern non-African humans through interbreeding. Their extinction around 40,000 years ago was influenced by climate change, competition with Homo sapiens, and other factors, yet their legacy remains in contemporary human DNA.

Uploaded by

janvitiwari670
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We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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NEANDERTHALS AND THEIR CONTEMPORARIES

1. Who Were Neanderthals?

Neanderthals (Homo neanderthalensis) lived from ~400,000–40,000 years ago across Europe, the
Middle East, and western/central Asia. They were a sister species to Homo sapiens, sharing a common
ancestor around 600,000–800,000 years ago.

2. Physical Characteristics

- Short, robust bodies adapted for cold climates.

- Barrel-shaped chests and powerful musculature.

- Large nasal cavities; projecting faces.

- Brain size averaging 1500–1600 cc.

- Low forehead, occipital bun, prominent brow ridges, and no chin.

3. Lifestyle & Behavior

- Mousterian tool culture with Levallois technique.

- Primarily carnivorous but also consumed plant foods and shellfish.

- Skilled hunters; used fire; wore animal hides.

- Evidence of symbolic behavior, pigments, ornaments, and possible burial practices.

- Social care for injured individuals.

4. Genetics & Interbreeding

Modern non■African humans carry 1–3% Neanderthal DNA. Gene flow improved immunity and
cold■climate adaptations.

5. Causes of Extinction (~40,000 years ago)

Contributing factors include climate instability, competition with Homo sapiens, low population density,
and disease. Neanderthals gradually disappeared and were partly absorbed into human groups.

CONTEMPORARIES OF NEANDERTHALS

6. Homo sapiens
Arrived in Europe ~45,000 years ago. More advanced tools, symbolic art, and social complexity than
Neanderthals.

7. Denisovans

A distinct lineage known primarily from DNA. Interbred with both humans and Neanderthals.
Contributed the EPAS1 gene for high■altitude adaptation in Tibetans.

8. Homo heidelbergensis

Likely ancestor of both Neanderthals (in Europe) and Homo sapiens (in Africa). Used Acheulean tools.

9. Homo erectus

Long■lived human species (~1+ million years). Survived until ~100,000–140,000 years ago in Asia.

10. Homo floresiensis

Small-bodied hominin (“hobbits”) living in Indonesia until ~50,000 years ago.

11. Homo naledi & Homo luzonensis

Recently discovered species with overlapping timelines with early modern humans.

12. Important Archaeological Sites

- La Chapelle■aux■Saints, France – early burial.

- Shanidar Cave, Iraq – evidence of care and ritual.

- Vindija Cave, Croatia – important DNA samples.

- El Sidrón, Spain – diet and social group data.

- Denisova Cave – Denisovans and interbreeding evidence.

Conclusion

Neanderthals were intelligent, adaptable, and socially complex. While they ultimately disappeared, their
genetic legacy persists in modern humans.

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