Chapter 27, Problem 38A

Summary Introduction

To write:

About Neanderthals and modern humans

Introduction:

Human, monkeys, apes, and lemurs belong to a group of mammals called primates. Though primates are highly diverse, they share some general features. Some primates have a high level of manual dexterity, which is the ability to manipulate or grasp objects with their hands. They usually have keen eyesight and long, highly movable arms. Compared to other animals, they have large brains. The primates with the largest brains, which include humans, have the capacity to reason.

Explanation of Solution

A distinct human species called Homo neanderthalensis or the Neanderthals, evolved exclusively in Europe and Asia about 200,000 years ago, likely from H.erectus or a Homo intermediary. Neanderthals were shorter but had more muscle mass than most modern humans. Their brains were sometimes even larger than the brains of modern humans. Neanderthals had thick skulls, bony browridges, and large noses. They also had a heavily muscled, robust stature. Neanderthals and modern humans overlapped for as long as 10,000 years. Some scientists suggest that the two species interbred. A skeleton found in Portugal has features of both Neanderthals and modern humans. However, DNA tests on fossil bones suggest that Neanderthals were a distinct species that did not contribute to the modern human gene pool.

Conclusion

The species that displaced the Neanderthals is Homo sapiens, is characterized by a more slender appearance than all other Homo species. They have thinner skeletons, rounder skulls, and smaller faces with prominent chins.