Were Neanderthals Cold-Adapted or Just Highly Adaptable? Ribcage Reconstruction Offers Clues
2024-12-23
A new study virtually reconstructs a Neanderthal ribcage from Shanidar Cave in Iraq. The results reveal a unique "bell-shaped" Neanderthal thorax, distinct from modern humans and closer to those adapted to cold climates. However, this doesn't imply exclusive cold-adaptation, as Shanidar 3 and Kebara 2 Neanderthals lived in relatively mild climates. The study suggests Neanderthal body builds were adaptable to various climate types, not just cold ones.
(phys.org)