Both Neanderthals and Homosapiens are thought to have been intelligent, but it is difficult to compare their intelligence levels directly, like who was smarter Neanderthal or Homosapien? Neanderthal brains took time to grow as compared to that of modern humans, hence scientists predict that it may have led to comparatively less intelligence in the Neanderthals. However, some also say that they had 5% of the modern human genome which concludes their development. There was a time when we coexisted, however they diminished and we survived. So, who has bigger brains Neanderthals or humans? Does Neanderthal DNA affect intelligence? Questions like these may ponder in your brain. Don’t worry we will go through them all!
1. Who has Bigger Brains Neanderthals or Humans?
There are a few theories as to why Neanderthals might have had slightly larger brains than humans. One possibility is that they evolved in a harsher environment and needed larger brains in order to survive the high latitudes. (See Study: Male and female Brains Operate Differently at a Molecular Level)
2. Who was Smarter Neanderthal or Homosapien?
After learning who had bigger brains Neanderthal or humans, you may wonder- who was smarter Neanderthal or Homosapien? While the former species are now extinct, there is still much evidence to suggest that Neanderthal was the more intelligent of the two. Neanderthal had a larger brain size than Homosapien, and evidence suggests that they were able to make and use complex tools.
They were able to communicate using a complex system of sounds and gestures and there are remnants of their cave art too. In addition, Neanderthal was able to adapt to a wide range of environments, while Homosapien was only able to survive in warm climates. Must read What is Human Existence In Philosophy?
3. Were Neanderthals More Intelligent?
Who was smarter Neanderthal or Homosapien? Neanderthals were more intelligent than people perceived them to be. According to new research, there is evidence that they are equally intelligent compared to modern humans of today.
The study looked at Neanderthal bones and found that they had a higher proportion of fast-twitch muscle fibers than modern humans. This suggests that Neanderthals were more athletic and better able to hunt and survive in their harsh environment.
The research also found evidence that Neanderthals used a type of tool that was more complex than anything previously seen in the archaeological record. This suggests that they were capable of complex thinking and problem-solving. Check out 7 facts about real Cavemen.
4. Does Neanderthal DNA affect Intelligence?
Now that we know who was smarter Neanderthal or Homosapien, some might wonder if their DNA has something to do with it. Some scientists believe that Neanderthal DNA may have a small impact on intelligence, while others believe that it does not have any significant effect. However, there is no concrete evidence to support either claim.
There is evidence that proves that the Neanderthal DNA led to small changes in gene activity and pushed people towards a slightly less globular shape of the brain. Pieces of evidence are many but concrete answers continue to remain missing. (See Why is DNA Replication Critical to the Survival of Organisms?)
5. Did Neanderthals speak?
Neanderthals are an extinct species of humans who lived in Europe and Asia until around 40,000 years ago. They are known to have had a complex culture and are thought to have been capable of speech. Many experts believe that their vocal cords were anatomically similar to ours. (See What Does Nomad Stand For?)
6. Why did Homosapien survive and Neanderthals did not?
One of the most debated topics in anthropology is why Homosapiens survived while Neanderthals did not. There are many theories out there, but one of the most popular is that Homosapiens simply had better adaptability. They were able to adapt to changing climates and environments much better than Neanderthals. Additionally, Homosapiens had a more diverse diet and were able to eat a wider variety of food sources. This gave them a significant advantage in times of food scarcity.
It is worth noting that Homosapiens had a much more developed social structure than Neanderthals. They lived in smaller groups and had a more complex system of communication which allowed them to cooperate better and share information effectively. (See When and How do Body Systems Work together?)
7. How did Humans beat Neanderthals?
Now that we are aware of how Homosapiens survive as opposed to Neanderthals, you may think- how did humans beat Neanderthals? According to the study, Neanderthals tended to hunt animals that were large and slow, while humans hunted smaller, faster animals. The other added advantage was that humans could survive the changing climates and temperatures which led them to beat the Neanderthals. This difference in hunting strategy may have given humans an advantage, as they were able to get more food while expending less energy. (See Why do cannibals eat humans?)
8. Are Neanderthals violent?
As with any question regarding the behavior of our ancient ancestors, the answer to this one is somewhat complicated. Neanderthals were certainly capable of violence, as evidenced by the many bones found with evidence of blunt force trauma. However, it is difficult to say definitively whether or not they were more violent than other groups of early humans.
There are a number of theories that have been proposed to explain the high incidence of violence among Neanderthals. One is that their violent tendencies were simply a result of living in a hostile environment. Another is that violence was a way of maintaining power within their social groups. Whatever the reason, it is clear that Neanderthals were capable of great violence. Check out the 90 Mind Blowing Human Body Facts.
9. Were Neanderthals left-handed?
No, most researchers and data come to the conclusion that they were right-handed. The stone tool remnants indicate a strong amount of right-handedness. They are suspected to have unusually strong arms with almost 50% of muscular asymmetry between both arms. (See The body language of the arms)
10. Are Neanderthals stronger than Homosapien?
After getting an insight into who was smarter Neanderthal or Homosapiens, you may feel curious about their strengths. There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that Neanderthals are stronger than Homosapiens, however, most evidence suggests that Neanderthals were twice as strong as the Homosapiens due to their shorter and muscular builds. (See Are Dinosaurs Alive?)
11. Do Neanderthals still exist?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as there is no clear evidence that Neanderthals still exist. However, some people believe that they may still exist in small, isolated populations. This is because there have been no confirmed sightings of Neanderthals in many years, and they are believed to have gone extinct around 40,000 years ago. Nevertheless, some people hold out hope that they may still exist somewhere in the world. (Also read Date of oldest fossils)
