Lecture Notes: Neanderthals - Module 14

Vocabulary and Learning Objectives

• Primitive and Modern Traits: Identify traits of Homo Neanderthalensis, focusing on unique cold weather adaptations.
• Development Patterns: Compare Neanderthal subadult specimens to modern humans.
• Paleopathology: Examine lifestyle activities and care in Neanderthal life.
• Burial Practices: Interpret evidence of Neanderthal burial and potential spiritual beliefs.
• Mousterian Stone Tool Culture: Understand advancements like retouching, composite tools, and hafting.

Introduction to Neanderthals

• Coexisted with modern Homo sapiens for about 100,000 years.
• Debates on whether they were a different species from Homo sapiens.
• Classified as pre-modern humans along with Homo heidelbergensis.
  • Note: Pronunciation can be "Neanderthals" or "Neanderthals."

Fossil Record and Geographic Range

• Large number of Neanderthal specimens available for study.
• First specimens found at Krapina, Croatia (~125,000 years ago).
• Key sites: Shanidar, Iraq (70,000-60,000 years ago), La Chapelle, France (50,000 years ago).
• Range from Western Europe to the Middle East, more limited compared to predecessors like Homo erectus and Homo heidelbergensis.
• Cold weather adaptations suited them to Europe and the Middle East.

Anatomical Features

Post-Cranial Features

• Robust Build: Neanderthals had bigger bones and musculature than modern humans.
• Barrel Chested: Rib cage flares out; limbs shorter proportioned.
• Pelvic Differences:
  • Ilium flares out more, larger pelvic inlet in females.

Cranial Features

• Brow Ridges: Large and pronounced.
• Cranium: Bulges out on the sides, thicker and larger.
• Dentition: Similar to humans but slightly larger.
• Nasal Cavity: Very pronounced, large sinuses.
• Brain Size: Average 1520 cc, larger than modern humans (1400-1500 cc).
• Lack of Chin: No evidence of a chin, more prognathism due to larger sinuses.
• Forehead: More vertical than Homo erectus but less so than modern humans.

Conclusion

• Neanderthal brain size to body ratio is equivalent to modern humans.
• Further exploration of cranial features to continue in the next lecture segment.