Neanderthals or neandertals - named after the Neander valley (neandertal = Neander valley), located near Düsseldorf, Germany. In the cave where the stone excavation in the valley is a Neandertal fossil discovered in 1856, which also makes it one of the first fossil findings of early humans were found. Although the first true neanderthal fossil was found in 1829 in Engis (now Belgium)
Neanderthals lived in the range of 400 thousand years to thirty thousand years ago, making it live side by side with homo sapiens. Their brain volume ranges from 1450 cc, relatively larger than modern humans, but this is proportional to their size. Neanderthals have other ancient human characteristics, namely prominent bone and jaw, low forehead, and thin chin. Their height ranges from 165 to 168 cm for men, and about 152 to 156 cm for women. Their bones are also stronger than modern humans. The central areas of their faces are also prominent, distinct features with erectus or sapiens, which may be a form of adaptation to low temperatures.
Neanderthals are known to be able to use tools, more advanced than erectus though not as good as the tools used by its competitors sapiens sapiens. They are great hunters, though found also eating cooked plants, and are known to have buried dead since about 100 thousand years ago. They are found in the region of europe and middle east.
There is still debate, whether Neanderthals are classified as sub-species of sapiens (Homo sapiens neanderthal) or a separate species (Homo neanderthal). In morphology and early dna test show they are different from sapiens. However, further testing indicates that neanderthals can cross-breed with sapiens, so they can be categorized in the same species. Genetic testing also indicates the possibility of cross-breeding between neanderthals in the Middle East and cows around 80-50 thousand years ago.
