Definition

Noun: 1. An extinct subspecies of archaic humans: This term refers to a distinct, now-extinct population of humans (Homo sapiens) that lived in Europe and western Asia during the Middle Paleolithic period, characterized by a robust skeletal build and associated with Mousterian stone tools. Commonly known as Neanderthals.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Fossil evidence shows that Homo sapiens neanderthalensis coexisted with early modern humans in Europe for a period.
  • The discovery of a burial site provided new insights into the cultural practices of Homo sapiens neanderthalensis.
  • Researchers study the DNA of Homo sapiens neanderthalensis to understand its relationship to modern humans.

Advanced Usage

• Scientific Classification: The term is used in formal taxonomic classification, placing Neanderthals as a subspecies within the species . Some scientific debates prefer the species designation .
  • The paper argued for the classification of the specimen as Homo sapiens neanderthalensis based on cranial morphology.

Variants and Related Words

• Neanderthal (noun/adjective): The common, non-scientific term for . As an adjective, it describes anything related to this group (e.g., Neanderthal tools, Neanderthal DNA).
• Neandertal: An alternative spelling reflecting modern German orthography.
• Archaic human: A broader category that includes and other extinct human groups like Denisovans.

Synonyms

• Neanderthal Man
• Neandertal

Related Phrases and Concepts

• Middle Paleolithic: The archaeological period associated with .
• Mousterian tool culture: The distinctive stone tool technology primarily used by Neanderthals.
• Interbreeding: Refers to the genetic evidence that interbred with early (anatomically modern humans).

Noun

1. extinct robust human of Middle Paleolithic in Europe and western Asia