Middle Pleistocene Hominins & Neanderthals: Key Traits, Evolution, and Adaptations

What is the time range for Homo erectus?

~1.9 million years ago to ~150,000 years ago

What are key traits of Homo erectus?

Larger brain than earlier hominins, long low cranial vault, thick cranial bones, prominent brow ridges, reduced prognathism

How do African and Asian Homo erectus differ?

African Homo erectus is more gracile and sometimes classified as Homo ergaster, while Asian Homo erectus has thicker cranial bones and more pronounced brow ridges.

What is the Acheulean Industry?

A stone tool tradition originating in Africa around 1.5 million years ago, characterized by bifaces like hand axes and cleavers.

What does the Movius Line represent?

A division between Acheulean tool traditions in the West (Africa & Europe) and non-Acheulean tools in East Asia.

What lifestyle did Homo erectus lead?

Hunting-gathering with increased meat consumption and group cooperation.

What evidence suggests Homo erectus cared for the elderly?

The Dmanisi skull shows an edentulous individual who survived long after losing teeth, implying social care.

What is Homo heidelbergensis considered?

A transitional species likely ancestor to Neanderthals in Europe and modern humans in Africa.

What were the climate conditions during the Middle Pleistocene?

Rapid glacial/interglacial fluctuations with cold, unstable environments.

What is the time range for Neanderthals?

~150,000-35,000 years ago

Where were key Neanderthal sites located?

Neander Valley (Germany), La Chapelle-aux-Saints (France), Shanidar Cave (Iraq), Mt. Carmel (Israel)

What are key cranial features of Neanderthals?

Brain size of 1500-1740 cm³, long low cranial vault, bun-shaped occipital bone, strong brow ridges, midfacial prognathism.

What adaptations do Neanderthals have for cold climates?

Huge nasal aperture for warming air, short stocky body shape, and robust bones.

What is the average body size of Neanderthals?

Males: ~5'5", ~143 lbs; Females: ~5'1", ~119 lbs; heavily muscled.

What is the significance of the retromolar gap?

It is a distinctive feature of Neanderthals, indicating their unique jaw structure.

What does the term 'Bergmann's Rule' refer to?

The principle that body size is larger in colder climates to conserve heat.

What does 'Allen's Rule' state?

In colder climates, limbs are shorter to minimize heat loss.

What are the implications of social behavior in Homo erectus?

Evidence of care for injured or elderly individuals suggests complex social structures.

What is the significance of the Acheulean hand axe?

It is a hallmark tool of Homo erectus, demonstrating advanced cognitive planning.

What anatomical features indicate Neanderthal cold adaptations?

Short distal limbs, barrel-shaped chest, and large nasal apertures.

What does the term 'edentalous skull' imply in the context of Homo erectus?

It indicates social care, as individuals survived long after losing teeth.

How does Neanderthal anatomy reflect their environment?

Robust bodies and adaptations for cold climates suggest survival strategies in harsh conditions.

What is the evolutionary relationship among Homo erectus, Homo heidelbergensis, and Neanderthals?

Homo erectus evolved into Homo heidelbergensis, which then branched into Neanderthals and modern humans.