Physical Differences Between Neandertals and Humans

Slide 52 of 109

Neandertals had large noses and sinus cavities.¹ Since they lived in cold climates, this design would help them warm the air they breathed. Neandertals exhibit differences in their inner ear bones, the structure of which lies between that of chimpanzees and humans.² The higher larynx implies that Neandertals probably did not have the ability to speak.¹

References

1. Christopher Stringer and Robin McKie, African Exodus. The Origins of Modern Humanity (New York, NY: Henry Holt and Company, 1996), pp. 85-114.

2. Hublin, J.-J., F. Spoor, M. Braun, F. Zonneveld, and S. Condemi. 1996. A late Neanderthal associated with Upper Palaeolithic artefacts. Nature  381: 224-226.