17. Physical Characteristics of Neanderthals

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Homo neanderthalensis was discovered in 1856, and is the first specimen to be recognized as an early human fossil. In 1864, Homo Neanderthalensis was identified as a separate species from modern humans. All though, in 1964 Neanderthals were no longer considered as a separate species from modern day humans, but that both modern day humans (homo sapiens) and Homo neanderthalensis were subspecies of homo sapiens. The two were then called Homo sapiens neanderthalensis and Homo sapiens sapiens. Today, the idea has changed back to the two being separate species, but their is still debate between anthropologists on the matter. Neanderthals had angled cheek bones, a huge nose for humidifying and warming air, and large front teeth used for chewing animal hide, or for clamping pieces of wood. Neanderthals were shorter than the average human, had stubby feet, and weighed up to 225 pounds. The Neanderthals were though, and had bones heavier from the average human, but the Neanderthals would go extinct to what was most likely a change in climate.

-Scotty Malcolm

External Source

http://humanorigins.si.edu/evidence/human-fossils/species/homo-neanderthalensis

Manual "Cultural Origins of Humans" Origins. Comp. Rosie Beniretto. Ed Ganesa Collins. Houston,Texas St John's School, 2015-2016. 34-37. Print