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Definition

noun

Hominid of the genus Homo that lived across Europe and Middle East, about 28,000 years ago.

Supplement

The name neanderthalensis is derived from the place (i.e. the Neander valley in Germany) the fossilized skeletal remains were excavated in 1856. The distinctive traits include a bigger brain size (approx. 1500 cc), shorter but brawnier stature, marked mid-face forward projection, larger and rounder orbits, broad nose, jaw lacking a projecting bony chin, and larger teeth compared with modern human beings.

The taxonomic position is still under debate. Some scientists think that they are a subspecies of Homo sapiens (hence, Homo sapiens neanderthalensis) while others believe that they are distinct species. Hence, some people would refer to them as Homo neanderthalensis.

Also called:

• Neanderthal man
• Neandertal