Chapter 17, Problem 1STP

Summary Introduction

Introduction:

A distinct human species called Homo neanderthalensis or the Neanderthals, evolved 200,000 years ago exclusively in Europe and Asia. They were shorter but had more muscle mass than most modern humans. Their brains were sometimes even larger than the brains of modern humans, though the brains might have been organized in different ways.

Answer to Problem 1STP

Correct answer :

The correct answer is option (A) differences in Neanderthal and human DNA.

Explanation of Solution

Explanation/justification for the correct answer :

Option (A) differences in Neanderthal and human DNA. DNA tests on fossil bones of Neanderthals suggested that this distinct species that did not contribute to the modern human gene pool. Thus, this is the correct answer.

The explanation for the incorrect answer :

Option (B) evidence from Neanderthal burial grounds. Neanderthal were buried their dead, but it did not throw any evidence of similarity with modern humans. Thus, this is an incorrect option.

Option (C) muscular build of Neanderthals, as compared to humans. Neanderthals were shorter but had more muscle mass than most modern humans. Thus, this is an incorrect answer.

Option (D) patterns of Neanderthal extinction. Neanderthals went extinct about 30,000 years ago, but the reasons of their extinction are not known. Thus, this is an incorrect answer.