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Neanderthals Facts & Worksheets

Neanderthals (Homo neanderthalensis) were a species of ancient humans who lived in various parts of Europe and western Asia from approximately 400,000 to 40,000 years ago.

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Neanderthals (Homo neanderthalensis) were a species of ancient humans who lived in various parts of Europe and western Asia from approximately 400,000 to 40,000 years ago. They are one of the closest relatives to modern humans, sharing a common ancestor with us.

See the fact file below for more information about the Neanderthals, or you can download our 27-page Neanderthals worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

HISTORY AND DECLINE

  • Emergence and Distribution (400,000 – 250,000 years ago): The earliest evidence of Neanderthals dates back to around 400,000 years ago. They emerged in Eurasia, primarily in regions that include present-day Europe and western Asia. During this period, they shared their habitats with other hominin species, such as Homo heidelbergensis, which is believed to be a common ancestor of both Neanderthals and modern humans.
  • Adaptation to Ice Ages (250,000 – 130,000 years ago): Neanderthals adapted to the challenges of fluctuating ice ages and warmer interglacial periods. Their robust physical features, including a stocky build and adaptations to cold environments, helped them survive in the harsh conditions of Europe and western Asia.
  • Cultural Complexity (130,000 – 40,000 years ago): During this period, Neanderthal tools technology and culture became more sophisticated. 
  • They created a variety of tools using techniques such as the Levallois technique, which involved carefully shaping a stone core to produce sharp flakes. They hunted a range of animals, including large mammals like mammoths and deer. 
  • Evidence of symbolic behavior, such as personal adornment and body painting, has been discovered in some Neanderthal sites.
  • Interaction with Modern Humans (50,000 – 40,000 years ago): Genetic evidence suggests that there was some interbreeding between Neanderthals and anatomically modern humans who migrated into Europe and Asia. 
  • This interbreeding is evident in the genomes of non-African modern humans, who carry a small percentage of Neanderthal DNA. It’s unclear whether these interactions were peaceful or involved competition.
  • Decline and Extinction (40,000 – 30,000 years ago): Around 40,000 years ago, Neanderthal populations began to decline.
  • There are several hypotheses for their extinction, including competition with modern humans, environmental changes, and potential diseases. By around 30,000 years ago, Neanderthals had disappeared from the archaeological record, marking the end of their distinct lineage.

DISCOVERY

  • The discovery of Neanderthals is a story spanning centuries, marked by key archaeological finds and scientific breakthroughs. The initial recognition of Neanderthals as a distinct human ancestor dates back to the 19th century. 
  • In 1829, a partial Neanderthal skull cap was unearthed in Gibraltar, but it wasn’t until the discovery of the Neander Valley in Germany in 1856, that their significance became widely recognized. 
  • This discovery, which involved a collection of fossilized bones, including a skull and limb bones, sparked scientific interest and debates about human origins. 
  • However, for a long time, Neanderthals were viewed to be brutish and savage, lacking the complexity that early modern humans possessed. 
  • It was not until the mid-twentieth century, with developments in paleoanthropology and a better understanding of the complexities of early human evolution, that Neanderthals were given another look. 

TAXONOMY AND ANATOMY

  • Neanderthals, technically known as Homo neanderthalensis, are members of the Hominidae family of the genus Homo. This taxonomic categorization classifies them alongside modern humans (Homo sapiens) and their near cousins. Neanderthals have a distinct collection of morphological traits that mark them apart from other hominid species. 
  • They had sturdy builds, suited for survival in harsh Ice Age conditions, with stocky bodies and shortened limbs to save heat. 
  • Neanderthal skulls were distinguishable from contemporary humans by strong brow ridges, a big nasal cavity, and a midfacial prognathism. 
  • The structure of their chest, with its barrel-like ribs, may have contributed to increased lung capacity, allowing them to participate in physically demanding activities.
  • Neanderthal anatomy demonstrates their response to their environment’s unique challenges, displaying a blend of strength and complexity that has affected our view of human evolution.
  • Moreover, their brain size matched that of early modern humans. Genetic advances have revealed vital insights into Neanderthal taxonomy, suggesting that they shared a common ancestor with modern humans roughly 600,000 to 700,000 years ago before diverging into a different evolutionary branch. 
  • Despite their eventual extinction, Neanderthals have left an indelible mark on our understanding of human evolution and the complexities of the hominid family tree.

CULTURE

  • Once thought to be rather simple, Neanderthal society is now widely acknowledged to be more sophisticated and complex than previously assumed. 
  • Neanderthals are known to have employed tools, making stone implements for a variety of functions like hunting, butchering, and carpentry. 
  • They also developed fire-control skills, which not only offered warmth and shelter but also increased their food possibilities through cooking. 
  • Recent archaeological findings have shown evidence of Neanderthal symbolic thinking and creative expression. Ornamental artifacts such as shells and pigments indicate that they decorated themselves and may have used these items for personal expression or rituals.
  • Additionally, the discovery of cave paintings and engraved artifacts in Neanderthal sites suggests a form of symbolic communication or creative endeavor.
  • Some researchers believe they may have possessed a type of language, allowing for intricate communication. Neanderthals buried their deceased with purposeful arrangements, indicating ritualistic behavior and maybe a belief in an afterlife.
  • Interactions with their surroundings, tools, and other people reflect a civilization that was flexible, resourceful, and capable of sophisticated conduct.
  • While the specifics of their culture are still being researched and debated, it is becoming increasingly clear that Neanderthals had a diverse cultural inheritance that has transformed our view of their role in human history.

INTERBREEDING

  • The interbreeding of Neanderthals and anatomically modern humans constitutes an important chapter in the evolutionary history of humans. According to genetic evidence from ancient DNA research, there was significant gene flow between these two closely related species throughout their overlapping eras of existence in Eurasia.
  • This interbreeding is mirrored in the genomes of non-African human groups today, with people of non-African origin containing a tiny but significant amount of Neanderthal DNA, implying that some level of interbreeding occurred, resulting in healthy children. 
  • This mixing of genetic material most likely aided early modern humans’ adaptation to new surroundings, as the introduction of Neanderthal genes may have brought advantages such as better immunity or cold weather tolerance. 

MODERN RESEARCH and INSIGHTS

  • Virtual Reconstructions: Advances in digital technology have allowed researchers to create virtual reconstructions of Neanderthal anatomy and tools. These reconstructions aid in visualizing their appearance, behaviors, and cultural practices.
  • Technology and Tool Use: Neanderthals were skilled toolmakers who crafted a variety of stone tools for different purposes. The Levallois technique, which involves shaping stone cores to produce flakes with specific shapes, is one of their notable achievements. Their tools were adapted to various tasks, such as hunting, butchering, and woodworking.

Neanderthal Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about the Neanderthals across 27 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about the Neanderthals. The Neanderthals were a species of ancient humans who lived in various parts of Europe and western Asia from approximately 400,000 to 40,000 years ago. They are one of the closest relatives to modern humans, sharing a common ancestor with us.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

  1. Neanderthals Facts
  2. Cousins and Ancestors
  3. Journey on Earth
  4. Neanderthal Timeline
  5. Ancient Neighbors
  6. Ne-anatomy
  7. Culture and Tools
  8. Neander-homes
  9. A Lasting Legacy
  10. End of the Race
  11. An Ethical Analysis

Frequently Asked Questions

Who were the Neanderthals?

Neanderthals were an ancient hominin species that lived in Europe and parts of Asia from around 400,000 years ago to about 40,000 years ago. They are our closest extinct relatives, sharing a common ancestor with modern humans.

What did Neanderthals look like?

Neanderthals were physically adapted to cold environments. They had a robust build with a stocky body, shorter stature than modern humans, and strong bones. They had a large nose, which helped them warm and humidify the cold, dry air of Ice Age Europe.

Did Neanderthals interact with early modern humans?

Yes, there is evidence that Neanderthals and early modern humans (Homo sapiens) coexisted in Europe and Asia for a period of time. There are even some genetic studies suggesting limited interbreeding between the two groups, as some modern humans of non-African descent carry a small percentage of Neanderthal DNA.

What were Neanderthal tools and technology like?

Neanderthals were skilled toolmakers and used a variety of stone tools. They made handaxes, scrapers, and spear points, among other tools. Their tools were primarily made from stone and bone. They also used fire for cooking and warmth.

Why did Neanderthals go extinct?

The exact reasons for Neanderthal extinction are still debated among scientists. Several factors may have contributed, including competition with early modern humans for resources, environmental changes, and the possibility of interbreeding leading to genetic assimilation. It’s likely that a combination of these factors played a role in their eventual disappearance.

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Use With Any Curriculum

These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.

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