What is the difference between a Neanderthal and the human beings of today?

Brainyblonde

Compared to modern humans, Neanderthals were shorter in size and had distinct morphological features, especially of the cranium, which gradually accumulated more derived aspects, particularly in certain relatively isolated geographic regions. Evidence suggests that they were much stronger than modern humans; their relatively robust stature is thought to be an adaptation to the cold climate of Europe during the Pleistocene epoch. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neanderthal Sep 12 06, 7:06 PM

arctic_wolves

There is a marked difference in DNA. The genetic evidence corroborates fossil and archaeological evidence showing a distinct separation between Neanderthals and populations ancestral to modern Homo sapiens. http://www.mnh.si.edu/anthro/humanorigins/faq/dna.htm Sep 12 06, 8:30 PM

woodardr

Depends on what bar you're in :-) Sep 12 06, 9:58 PM

Gnomon

Many people people now believe that Neanderthals were a different species to us. They were well adapted to living in cold climates. Modern man is well adapted to the place where he came from, the Great Rift Valley of Africa. Sep 13 06, 10:32 AM

Arpeggionist

The neandertal's brain ws bigger than that of Homo sapiens. But it also had a raised larynx, which made it impossible for it to speak beyond monosyllabic grunts. Sep 13 06, 11:36 AM

Priscilla9

"The neandertal's brain ws bigger than that of Homo sapiens. But it also had a raised larynx, which made it impossible for it to speak beyond monosyllabic grunts." So even if it knew what words to make, it's voice would stop them from forming? Sep 19 06, 4:57 AM

Baloo55th

Sort of. Without the capability of making the sounds, they probably wouldn't think of using words. They may well have managed some communication using grunts (some modern people seem to manage all right like that....), and may even have used quick sketches or sign language. This would be impossible to prove, as such things would be extremely temporary. When you look at the way 'challenged' people communicate, there's quite a wide way for the Neanderthals to communicate without actually using words. Sep 19 06, 5:13 AM