Neanderthals: The First True Humans

For centuries Homo sapiens have been considered the most unique species in the primate order. Researchers have shown that Homo sapiens are not the most unique in the homo genus, there have been ancestors that have the same traits that many people consider unique to human. One of these traits is the ability to walk bipedal, which no other primate can do well. It is difficult to state which of the ancestors were the first “humans”, but through various evidence, it can be determined that the Homo neanderthalensis or Neanderthal, were the first to show signs of being human.

Like most species in the Homo genus, the Neanderthals were bipedal. Being bipedal isn’t the main reason as to why Neanderthals are the first humans but it is one of the most important ones. Neanderthals shared many bipedal characteristics that are similar to Homo sapiens but they had modifications that were adjusted to their

People often associate brain size with intelligence, a larger brain is necessary for better intelligence. Through observation of both Neanderthals and Homo sapiens, it is seen that it is not the case but the size of the frontal lobe is what matters most. Neanderthals have a large braincase, no forehead, brow ridge, a projecting face and no chin. Their teeth are large, having large incisors, large jaws and a retro molar space. Being part of a colder environment, these traits were beneficiary and changed their diet. Neanderthals required a lot of energy and therefore their diet was heavy in meat. Their large teeth helped them consume meat much easier than those who had smaller teeth. Being small and stocky, their large skull was mainly for balance since they did not have a forehead, where the frontal lobe is, they did not have the same level of intelligence as Homo sapiens but had better vision, smell, and hearing which is essential to their