Neanderthal
Neanderthal
Neanderthal (pronounced: /niˈændərˌθɔːl/, /niˈændərˌtɑːl/), also known as Neandertal in more recent publications, is an extinct species or subspecies of archaic humans who lived in Eurasia until about 40,000 years ago.
Etymology
The term "Neanderthal" comes from the location of Neanderthal, Germany, where the first specimen was discovered. The Neander valley was named after Joachim Neander, a 17th-century German pastor and hymn writer.
Description
Neanderthals are characterized by robust build and distinctive morphological features, especially in the cranium, which gradually accumulated more derived aspects, particularly in certain isolated geographic regions. Evidence suggests they were much stronger than modern humans, having particularly strong arms and hands.
Evolution
Neanderthals are either classified as a subspecies of Homo sapiens (Homo sapiens neanderthalensis) or as a separate species (Homo neanderthalensis). The first humans with proto-Neanderthal traits are believed to have existed in Eurasia as early as 600,000–350,000 years ago.
Interaction with Homo Sapiens
There is evidence for interbreeding between Neanderthals and anatomically modern humans, likely between 50,000 to 60,000 years ago. A fraction of the DNA of non-African modern humans is of Neanderthal origin.
Extinction
The reasons for the disappearance of the Neanderthals are not entirely understood. Hypotheses include climate change and competition with Homo sapiens.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Neanderthal
- Wikipedia's article - Neanderthal
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