Scientists have successfully completed the sequence of the Neanderthal genome. This has made history as being the first time the entire genome of an extinct hominid had been sequenced. Scientists now believe that this new information will help us determine how similar we are to Neanderthals through examination of our genes. Additionally, this research will help us identify the genetic changes between current Homosapiens and Neanderthals, which are linked to the development of the features of modern humans.
Neanderthals had a stocky and short appearance. They were commonly around five to six feet in height. Neanderthals walked upright. Their bones were thick and sturdy, and shoulders, legs, arms and necks were muscular. Scientists soon found out that the body of the Neanderthal was deformed due to arthritis. They had a slightly larger brain than us humans. Their physical form helped them adapt to their environment by conserving heat in cold temperature (similar to Inuit). Also, they had ridges that stuck over their eyes. Neanderthals are stereotyped as brutal, unintelligent, and uncivilized beings. Throughout time, our image of the Neanderthal has changed due to modern reconstructions.
The way they lived was primal compared to present-day society. They developed their own tools through what is known as the "Mousterian system", which meant shipping stones to make all-purpose axes and scrapers. Unlike Cro-Magnon hominids, Neanderthals hunted specific animals rather than a whole range of prey. Three-quarters of hunting remains found in Neanderthal sites are reindeer, this indicates that the reindeer was a primary target. The remains also reveal injuries, like broken bones and dislocations, this could suggest that their style of hunting exposed them to danger and involved close encounter with the prey. Neanderthals had good survival techniques, this meant that as well as fending for themselves they could take care of the elderly and ill. Fossil remains revealed serious injuries that had healed completely.
Evidence has been found to show that Neanderthals intentionally buried the dead covered in flowers, with food and tools. This is thought of as strong evidence indicating that the Neanderthals had belief in the afterlife because they were buried with food and tools that were required for the afterlife.
Recently, scientists have tested Neanderthal DNA that was recovered from skeletons that were extracted and have concluded that modern homosapiens (us) are not descended from neanderthals. However, there is a high possibility of a shared common ancestor that existed an estimated 550,000 years ago.