Remains of Neanderthals - Essay Example

Neanderthals In reference to modern archaeologist the oldest Neanderthals were scavengers. They relied on other animals to get their food. They did not have the capacity to hunt for an animal to get food. Due to this, they eat the remains of other hunters’ animal. They used their long canines and strong jaws to excavate meat remain from dead animals. After about fifty thousand of their existence, they had developed mean of doing their own hunting. They relied on dog to chase after their prey. This was facilitated by the fact that dog was one of their closest animals. They also used arrow and spear to capture animal for food. Neanderthals used to hunt in small groups through surrounding the intended prey. During that time, they had the capacity of identifying the best animal for their consumption. They substantiated the meat they hunted with other natural roots and leaves. Women and other weaker members of the society also used to gather fruits to be consumed together with the hunted meats (Mason 78). Neanderthals make stone tools. However, this was during their old period of their emergence. Some of the stone tools made were used for slaughtering animals, digging, construction of their dwelling areas, and for other house hold activities. Stone tools were made by qualified member of the society. These specialists were among the most respected members of the society. As time move on, Neanderthals adopted other forms of tools. They came up with other tools which were more appropriate at that time. Some of the common tools at that time were stone flakes and all-purpose scrappers. These tools were used for all purpose of work in the society. During the upper Paleolithic, more tools were made from different materials and in different forms. The need for more specialist and tools for specific purpose necessitated the process. Craftsmen at this time also had specialist knowledge to make special tools from different materials. Some of the material which was used to make tools was bones, antlers, and some other right metals (McMullin 89). Neanderthal also used fire in their daily activities. At their early periods of their existence, Neanderthals were not aware of the existence of fire. They consumed raw meats, leaves and fruits. However, during their advanced ages of their existence, they developed the idea of the existence and use of fire. Neanderthals used fire in different facets of their lives. During this stage, they used fire to roast meat. They also used fire to warm their bodies at night and during cold seasons. Fire was also used for security purpose. They believed it scared wild animals away at night. Craftsmen relied on fire to shape their tools. In general, Neanderthal relied on fire in most of their activities at their advanced age of their existence. There is also enough evidence to prove that Neanderthals buried the deceased people. In reference to the available reference, they used to bury the deceased some few meters way from their dwelling areas. The size and nature of the grave depended the age of the deceased. According to the available evidence, babies and infants were buried in a swallow pits near their dwelling areas. The senior members of the society were buried shallow escalated graves and in other natural The Neanderthal had an upright posture. They moved upright almost close to the modern human being. The hand and body were similar to modern man. They had extra large body physic more than for a modern. The hands were similar to that of a modern man. Their hand constituted five digit fingers. Their brain capacity was in a position to keep enough memories. Their bodies were hairy due to the climatic condition of the geographical areas they were occupying. Their hairy enabled them to survive in the cool climate. The Neanderthals were the only human species known to live in cold climates. Neanderthals also had very powerful teeth and jaws. These enabled them to excavate meet from animal bones. Their strong teeth and jaws was a great evidence for the archeologist that Neanderthal used their teeth to hold object. It is also prove that they used their teeth in cutting objects. For the older Neanderthals their dental formula was similar to that of carnivores. This was due to their mode of nutrition. However, the dental formula for the latest Neanderthals was different. It looked similar to modern man dental formula. There has been a debate among archeologist over the physical appearance of the Neanderthals. Some of them argue that they look more like human being than gorillas. The evidence available has not show adequate evidence to prove either side. However, due to their physical appearance many archeologist belief they looked more than modern human being. Their upright nature is more inclined to human being than to a gorilla. On the other hand, there was significant change during this period of human development. The earlier Neanderthals were more like gorilla than human being. With less than 50,000 years of their existence they had changed significantly. They were more close to human being than to the gorillas. Their dental formula had changed significantly over that time. Additional their way of interaction and their mode of eating was quite different. The sudden transformation of Neanderthals is the main cause of the confusion existing among different archaeologists over the appearance of the Neanderthals (Krieger 345). Neanderthal had very long life expectancy. According to the evidence available, the oldest is about three hundred years. As per the analysis of archaeologist, this was because of their ways of living. The nature of food they ate was adequate enough to guarantee sustainable life. On the other hand, the brain capacity was adequate enough to come up with appropriate treatment measure of the emerging diseases. Most of those who died at their young age suffered from pre-mature death. This most occurred due to bad weather conditions or other natural calamities. Additionally, wild animals were threat to their life. They were frequently attached in their dwelling areas and killed. There is clear evidence to prove that Neanderthals beyond their capability age. The oldest Neanderthals were not in a position to feed them. However their existing family unit had the responsibility of taking care of the oldest and sick members of their families. They used natural trees and leaves to treat the sick members of their families. Neanderthals are also well known for their art and craft activities. Some of the main products of their arts activities were ornaments jewelries, tools weapons, basketry, ports, and utensils. They had specialists who used their natural knowledge in making different crafts object. They were much respected members of he society. According to the evidence available, craftsmen were among the society members who were accorded the required respect during their funeral services. The writing on their dwelling places was enough evidence that Neanderthal were well competent in arts. Additionally, their craft capability enabled them to modify their dwelling places. Craftsmen and other artisan in the society were responsible of constructing graves for the deceased members of the society. In conclusion, the DNA testing from the skeleton collected from different sites are used as evidence to just some of the characteristics of Neanderthal. The main site relevant in reviewing the existences of the Neanderthal are cave found in Germany Croatia, some parts of Africa and Russia. The DNA tests have enough evidence to show the relationship between the modern man and Neanderthal. However, there are some scientists who argue against an evidence to show the relationship between modern human being and Neanderthals. The most recent study has on the other hand shown the relationship between human being and Neanderthals. In reference to the recent evidence, Neanderthals had common ancestor to human being for more than 550,000 years ago (Cookson 89). Work cited Cookson, Clive. "Neanderthal DNA Reveals a Species Apart." Financial Times, 2006. 45, 89-90 Krieger, Lisa. "Meet Your Long-Lost Cousin: HIGH-TECH METHOD LETS SCIENTISTS DECODE NEANDERTHALS DNA." McClatchy - Tribune Business News. 2006.54, 90, 345-355 Mason, Betsy. "Partial Neanderthal Genome Mapped: WALNUT CREEK: Lab Sequencing Reveals that 99.5% of the Genome Mirrors Humans Today." McClatchy - Tribune Business News. 2006. McMullin, Barbara. Neanderthal. School Library Journal. 2002. 34, 56,89-100 Read More

 

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