Neanderthals 101 | National Geographic

Summary

Neanderthals, or Homo neanderthalensis, were our closest relatives, thriving from about 400,000 to 40,000 years ago across Europe and Asia. Adapted to cold climates, they had stocky bodies and large noses for heat retention and air humidification. Archaeological evidence reveals their sophisticated culture, including shelter construction, clothing creation, and advanced tool-making. They may have been the first to engage in burial practices and create cave art. Their mysterious extinction might be due to competition with Homo sapiens or interbreeding, leaving a legacy of 1-2% Neanderthal DNA in many modern humans.

Takeaways

• 😀 Neanderthals were more advanced than the brutish stereotypes suggest, showcasing significant intelligence and culture.
• 🧬 They are our closest relatives in the human family tree, existing from about 400,000 to 40,000 years ago.
• 🌍 Their habitat ranged from Europe's Atlantic coast to central Asia, adapting to various climates.
• ❄️ Neanderthals were well-adapted to cold environments, with stocky bodies that helped them retain heat.
• 🧠 Their brain sizes were comparable to or larger than modern humans, potentially contributing to their cultural development.
• 🏠 Neanderthals built shelters, created clothing, and developed advanced tools, including those made from bone.
• 🌺 They may have been the first to bury their dead, often adorning grave sites with flowers.
• 🎨 Evidence suggests they created some of the oldest cave art, indicating a capacity for symbolic thinking.
• 🤝 Theories about their extinction include competition with modern humans or interbreeding, which may explain the presence of Neanderthal genes in modern Europeans and Asians.
• 🔍 Neanderthal fossils, first discovered in the 19th century, provide insights into their physical adaptations and cultural innovations.

Q & A

What are Neanderthals scientifically classified as?

Neanderthals are classified as *Homo neanderthalensis*, and they are our closest relatives in the human family tree.

When did Neanderthals live and where did they inhabit?

Neanderthals lived from about 400,000 to 40,000 years ago, inhabiting areas from Europe's Atlantic coast to central Asia, including regions as far north as modern-day Belgium.

What physical adaptations did Neanderthals have to survive in cold environments?

Neanderthals were relatively short and stocky, with broad chests, bulky torsos, and muscular limbs, which helped them generate and retain body heat.

How did Neanderthals' nasal structures aid their survival?

Neanderthals had large noses with high bridges, which created a nasal chamber that warmed and humidified the cold, dry air they breathed.

What evidence suggests that Neanderthals had a sophisticated culture?

Archaeological evidence indicates that Neanderthals built shelters, made and wore clothing, created advanced tools (including bone tools), and possibly engaged in symbolic practices such as burying their dead and adorning graves with flowers.

What is believed to be the oldest cave art, and who is suspected to have created it?

Some of the world's oldest cave art, found in Spain, is believed to have been created by Neanderthals.

What theories exist regarding the extinction of Neanderthals?

Some scientists believe Neanderthals were outcompeted or killed by modern humans, while another theory suggests that they mated with modern humans and were absorbed into the larger human population.

Why do many people of European or Asian descent carry Neanderthal DNA?

Most people of European or Asian descent carry 1% to 2% Neanderthal genes in their DNA, likely due to interbreeding between Neanderthals and modern humans.

Who was the first to discover a Neanderthal fossil, and when?

The first Neanderthal fossil specimen was discovered in Belgium in 1829 by Philippe-Charles Schmerling, but it wasn't officially classified as Neanderthal until later.

What does the study of Neanderthals' fossils reveal about their capabilities?

The study of Neanderthals' fossils shows that they were built for resilience and survival, but also indicates their innovation, creativity, and social behavior, similar to that of modern humans.