Homo Neanderthalensis (Neanderthals)

Homo neanderthalensis - ancestor of man?

Homo neanderthalensis, better known as Neanderthaler, is an extinct hominid of the genus Homo and genetically the closest relative of modern man. In 1856 workers discovered skull bones in a quarry, but these could only later be assigned to a previously unknown species. The hominid was later named after its site, the North Rhine-Westphalian Neandertal.

A small group of Neanderthals

The distribution area of ​​Neanderthals extended over Western, Central and Eastern Europe to Central Asia. Over 300 finds document the spread and reveal a settlement focus in France, Spain and the Caucasus.

Compared to Homo sapiens, the homo neanderthalensis had a noticeably stronger and sturdier appearance. This is also reflected in the relationship of height and weight. At an estimated height of 1.60 meters, the Neanderthal weighed about 65-70kg. The weight also brings a Homo sapiens easily on the scales, but with a height of 1.80 m. Mobility and running style have therefore not equaled each other in both species. In addition, the Homo sapiens should have been the better long-distance runner.

The brain volume of the Neanderthal man was sometimes even more than that of modern humans at 1200 to 1750cm³. However, the brain volume alone is not an indicator of intelligence, which should not deny the achievements of Neanderthals. Organized in small groups, Neanderthals hunted large and small mammals such as mammoths, bears and rhinos. Their wooden spears were optimized with pointed stones, which were attached to the spear with birch pitch. Exterminated animals were almost completely used except for a few parts. Animal skins served as thermal insulation against the cold. Flints were used to ignite small hearths under rocky outcrops and in caves, allowing them to colonize even colder regions.

In the hunters and gatherers community the food was very diverse depending on the populated region. Berries, fruits, plant seeds, legumes, tubers, shells, fish or roots. Affinity went far beyond mere food-sharing. Injured group members continued to receive altruistic care even though they were no longer capable of independent hunting. This can be deduced from skeletal findings that had to continue to live despite severe injuries. Furthermore, the homo neanderthalensis buried his dead.

The existential period of the Neanderthal 200,000 - 30,000 overlaps with that of Homo sapiens. Both species therefore lived side by side for well over 100,000 years. In fact, the difference in genome between us and H. neanderthalensis is less than 0.5%. A possible mixing or sexual contact between the two species has long been the subject of scientific research. Currently, it is estimated that 1 - 2% of genes in our genome come from Neanderthals. Contact between H. sapiens and H. neanderthalensis is therefore probable, although it may not have been the norm.

Why did the Neanderthal man die?

To date, there is controversy over how the Neanderthal man died out. The following hypotheses are always under discussion:

1. H. sapiens and Neanderthaler with the same ecological niche

If Homo sapiens and Homo neanderthalensis were competing for increasingly scarce food within the same ecological niche, the better adapted species displaces the less well-adapted in the long term. The Neanderthal man was inferior to Homo sapiens on some points. He needed more energy because of his muscular physique and thus more food. Food shortages, especially lack of hunting success, could quickly become a problem for the Neanderthals. Homo sapiens was probably better at dodging plant food. The volcanic eruption of a sub-volcano near Naples is likely to have exacerbated the situation of the Neanderthal man 40,000 years ago.

2. Homo sapiens actively eradicated the Neanderthal man

First of all, there is no evidence for this hypothesis. Presumably, both species existed peacefully side by side. There were not many Neanderthals in Europe anyway. The highest number of simultaneously living Neanderthals is estimated at 300,000 - extrapolated to the whole of Europe, the 0.02 Neanderthals per square kilometer. An encounter was thus rather the exception.

3. Too few Neanderthals on too large an area

The number of only 300,000 simultaneously living Neanderthals in Europe brings with it a further problematic. Even less often than in Homo sapiens Neanderthal groups met in their own way. The opportunity to find a suitable partner who did not come from their own clan, was therefore low. Combined with high infant mortality among Neaderthalers, this could have led to extinction in the medium term.

4. Mixing hypothesis

In the mixed hypothesis, it is assumed that H. neanderthalensis and H. sapiens reproduced among themselves, so that the Neanderthals were genetically absorbed in H. sapiens. This hypothesis is also controversial. It is argued that the genetic content of Neanderthals in our genome should be much higher than the previously postulated 1 to 2%.

Profile: Homo neanderthalensis

Genus: Homo
Type: H. neanderthalensis
Name: 'neanderthalensis' = originating from Neanderthal
First found: 1856 in the Neanderthal
Period: 200,000 - 30,000 years (Pleistocene)
Height: 1,55 - 1,70m
Weight: 60 - 70kg
Distribution: Europe, Central Asia, West Asia
Brain volume: 1200 - 1750cm³
Food: animal and vegetable food
Tool use: Yes
Upright gear: Yes

Summary

The Homo neanderthalensis or Neanderthaler, is an extinct species of the genus Homo. He lived mostly in Europe between 200,000 and 30,000 years ago.

So far, it is disputed why the Neanderthal man died out 30,000 years ago.