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Do You Know Neanderthals?
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Test your knowledge with this true-or-false quiz.
“Neanderthals and modern humans never met.”
False. It is believed that after migrating from Africa, modern humans made contact with Neanderthals in the Middle East. By mating with this other species, modern humans were able to pass on genes that allowed their offspring to adapt to colder environments and build immunity to new diseases. Today, humans carry an average of 2% Neanderthal DNA.
“Neanderthals looked much like modern humans.”
True. Although shorter and squatter than present-day humans, it is quite likely that Neanderthals could blend in with tonight’s audience.
“Neanderthals were persistence hunters.”
False. Neanderthals were encounter hunters, which means that they would travel in groups while hoping to come across prey. Once a target was spotted, the group would respond quickly and with great force to take down the animal using long thrusting spears. Neanderthals were likely powerful sprinters — potentially faster than humans today — but did not have much endurance for chasing prey over long distances.
“Neanderthals were capable of abstract thought.”
True. Evidence found in cave dwellings shows that Neanderthals wore decorative jewelry crafted from feathers and other animal byproducts, as well as makeup created from a variety of natural pigments. Many scientists believe that this form of artistic expression is indicative of an ability to understand intangible concepts.
“Neanderthals could communicate with one another verbally.”
Depends on who you ask. There is skeletal evidence that Neanderthals could make clear “ee” and “oo” vocal sounds. Whether or not those sounds were used to communicate specific ideas and meanings is not widely agreed upon.
IT TURNS OUT, THE NEANDERTHALS WERE STRONGER, SMARTER, FASTER, BETTER LOOKING, AND MUCH, MUCH MORE LIKE US THAN WE EVER THOUGHT. - Ella Al-Shamahi
