Neanderthals Lecture Flashcards
Neanderthals
An extinct species or subspecies of archaic humans who lived in Eurasia from about 130,000 to 40,000 years ago. Closely related to modern humans.
Homo heidelbergensis
Likely ancestor of Neanderthals. Fossils from Sima de los Huesos (Spain, ~430 kya) show Neanderthal traits.
Cranial Capacity
Brain size. Neanderthal females averaged ~1300 cc, males ~1600 cc—larger than modern humans.
Cranial Traits (6)
- Occipital Bun
- Large, prognathic midface
- Cheek bones placed posteriorly relative to face
- Large nasal aperture
- Retromolar space
- Uniquely derived inner ear morphology
Dentition (3)
- Retromolar gap
- Heavy dental wear
- Interpretation: Using teeth as tools
Postcrania (5)
- Wider pelvis basin
- Long pubis bone
- Shorter distal limb bones
- Wider Rib Cage
- Robust
Diet (4)
- Preserved burned nuts and seeds
- Starch
- Maggots
- Meat
Midfacial Prognathism
Forward projection of the middle part of the face, a distinctive Neanderthal trait.
Occipital Bun
A prominent bulge at the back of the skull; characteristic of Neanderthals.
Retromolar Space
A gap behind the last molar; seen in Neanderthals.
Taurodont Molars
Teeth with enlarged pulp cavities; a Neanderthal trait possibly related to high wear.
Levallois Technology
A prepared-core stone tool technology involving strategic flake removal to produce tools.
Hafting
The process of attaching a stone tool to a handle (e.g., a spear), creating a compound tool.
Bergmann’s Rule
States that in colder climates, organisms have larger body sizes to conserve heat.
Allen’s Rule
States that organisms in colder climates have shorter appendages to reduce heat loss.
Lower Paleolithic
3.3/2.9 mya to 300 kya. Oldowan and Acheulean tools.
Middle Paleolithic
Archaeological period (300,000–40,000 years ago) associated with Neanderthals and their tool industries. Prepared core technologies (levallois technology, scrapers, points, and other flake tools)
Upper Paleolithic
50 kya - 10 kya. Blade core technology (blades, hafted microlithic barbs)
Shanidar 1
Neanderthal fossil from Iraq with evidence of injuries and healing—suggesting caretaking.
Burial Practices
Neanderthals may have intentionally buried their dead, but evidence for ritual or grave goods is debated.
Symbolic Expression
Limited evidence exists for Neanderthal symbolic behaviors like art or ornamentation compared to modern humans.
Dental Calculus Analysis
Hardened plaque studied to find plant microfossils, showing Neanderthals ate starchy plants.
Nitrogen Isotope Levels
High levels suggest a meat-heavy diet, though some recent studies suggest consumption of insects too.
Hyper-polar Body Type
Very large, muscular bodies well-adapted to cold climates, more so than any modern population.
