Question

You are a paleoanthropologist working in a cave site in Europe dated to 30KYA. You have recovered the almost complete remains of a hominin – cranial and postcranial. Briefly detail key traits you would examine/use to attribute this specimen to H. neanderthalensis or H. sapiens.

Answer 1

Key traits to examine the specimen of H. Neanderthalensis

• A distinct occipital region
• Low vaulted cranium
• Large orbital and nasal openings
• Prominent ached brow ridges
• A large front teeth
• Mental foramen, a small hole in the skull that allows nerves to reach the lower jaw, was placed farther back in Neanderthals.
• Robust and large nose

Key traits to examine the specimen of H. Sapiens

• Skull is broadest at the top and rounded at the back
• Face is small in size with a projecting nose bone
• Forehead is tall and brow ridge is limited
• Eye sockets are square in shape
• Jaws are short and teeth are relatively small

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