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{{short description|Extinct species of archaic humans}} | |||
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}} | |||
[[File:Neanderthal_at_AMNH.jpg|thumb|right|Reconstruction of a Neanderthal at the American Museum of Natural History]] | |||
'''Neanderthals''' (''Homo neanderthalensis'' or ''Homo sapiens neanderthalensis'') are an extinct species or subspecies of archaic humans who lived in Eurasia until about 40,000 years ago. They are closely related to modern humans, sharing 99.7% of their DNA, and are known from fossil evidence and archaeological findings. | |||
Neanderthals are | |||
== | ==Discovery and Naming== | ||
The | The first Neanderthal fossils were discovered in 1856 in the Neander Valley (''Neanderthal'' in German) near Düsseldorf, Germany. The species was named after this location. The initial discovery included a skullcap and other skeletal remains, which were initially thought to belong to a bear or a modern human with deformities. | ||
== | [[File:Calotte_crânienne,_type_de_l'espèce_Homo_neanderthalensis,_vallée_de_Néander.jpg|thumb|left|Neanderthal skullcap from the Neander Valley]] | ||
==Anatomy and Physiology== | |||
Neanderthals were robustly built with a large cranial capacity, often larger than that of modern humans. They had a prominent brow ridge, a large nose, and a receding chin. Their bodies were adapted to cold climates, with shorter limbs and a stocky build to conserve heat. | |||
==Culture and Tools== | |||
Neanderthals were skilled toolmakers, associated with the [[Mousterian]] tool culture. They used tools made from stone, bone, and wood, and evidence suggests they were capable hunters. Neanderthals also created symbolic objects and may have engaged in ritualistic behavior. | |||
==Habitat and Distribution== | |||
Neanderthals inhabited a range of environments across Europe and western Asia. They lived in caves and open-air sites, adapting to various climates from the Mediterranean to the cold steppes of northern Europe. | |||
[[File:Neanderthal_excavation_site.JPG|thumb|right|Excavation site of Neanderthal remains]] | |||
==Genetic Legacy== | |||
Modern humans outside of Africa carry approximately 1-2% Neanderthal DNA, indicating interbreeding between Neanderthals and early modern humans. This genetic legacy has contributed to the understanding of human evolution and adaptation. | |||
==Extinction== | |||
The extinction of Neanderthals around 40,000 years ago is attributed to a combination of factors, including climate change, competition with modern humans, and possibly disease. The exact reasons remain a topic of research and debate. | |||
==Related Species== | |||
Neanderthals are part of the genus ''Homo'', which includes several other species such as [[Homo erectus]], [[Homo heidelbergensis]], and [[Homo sapiens]]. | |||
[[File:Homo_erectus_tautavelensis.jpg|thumb|left|Homo erectus, a related species]] | |||
[[File:Homo_heildebergensis._Museo_de_Prehistoria_de_Valencia.jpg|thumb|right|Homo heidelbergensis, another related species]] | |||
== | ==Related Pages== | ||
* [ | * [[Homo sapiens]] | ||
* [[Human evolution]] | |||
* [[Paleolithic]] | |||
* [[Denisovan]] | |||
[[Category:Neanderthals]] | |||
[[Category:Prehistoric humans]] | [[Category:Prehistoric humans]] | ||
[[Category:Human evolution]] | [[Category:Human evolution]] | ||
Latest revision as of 10:48, 23 March 2025
Extinct species of archaic humans
Neanderthals (Homo neanderthalensis or Homo sapiens neanderthalensis) are an extinct species or subspecies of archaic humans who lived in Eurasia until about 40,000 years ago. They are closely related to modern humans, sharing 99.7% of their DNA, and are known from fossil evidence and archaeological findings.
Discovery and Naming[edit]
The first Neanderthal fossils were discovered in 1856 in the Neander Valley (Neanderthal in German) near Düsseldorf, Germany. The species was named after this location. The initial discovery included a skullcap and other skeletal remains, which were initially thought to belong to a bear or a modern human with deformities.
Anatomy and Physiology[edit]
Neanderthals were robustly built with a large cranial capacity, often larger than that of modern humans. They had a prominent brow ridge, a large nose, and a receding chin. Their bodies were adapted to cold climates, with shorter limbs and a stocky build to conserve heat.
Culture and Tools[edit]
Neanderthals were skilled toolmakers, associated with the Mousterian tool culture. They used tools made from stone, bone, and wood, and evidence suggests they were capable hunters. Neanderthals also created symbolic objects and may have engaged in ritualistic behavior.
Habitat and Distribution[edit]
Neanderthals inhabited a range of environments across Europe and western Asia. They lived in caves and open-air sites, adapting to various climates from the Mediterranean to the cold steppes of northern Europe.
Genetic Legacy[edit]
Modern humans outside of Africa carry approximately 1-2% Neanderthal DNA, indicating interbreeding between Neanderthals and early modern humans. This genetic legacy has contributed to the understanding of human evolution and adaptation.
Extinction[edit]
The extinction of Neanderthals around 40,000 years ago is attributed to a combination of factors, including climate change, competition with modern humans, and possibly disease. The exact reasons remain a topic of research and debate.
Related Species[edit]
Neanderthals are part of the genus Homo, which includes several other species such as Homo erectus, Homo heidelbergensis, and Homo sapiens.
