Middle and Upper Pleistocene Hominins & Neanderthals

Vocabulary flashcards for key terms related to Middle and Upper Pleistocene hominins, including Neanderthals.

Middle Pleistocene Hominins

Transitional groups between H. erectus-like hominins and later species (Neanderthals and H. sapiens).

H. heidelbergensis, H. antecessor, H. rhodesiensis

Potential classifications of Middle Pleistocene hominins, subject to taxonomic debate.

Anatomically Modern Homo sapiens

Characterized by large cranial capacity, limited brow ridges, canine fossa, chin, small teeth and jaws, limited occipital torus, and prominent mastoid process.

Archaic Homo sapiens

Referred to as Middle Pleistocene Hominins, exhibiting primitive traits similar to H. erectus and derived traits similar to modern H. sapiens.

Kabwe (Broken Hill, Zambia)

Example of Middle Pleistocene Hominin site with archaic features (long, low skull, thick cranial bones, large brow ridges).

Homo heidelbergensis

A hominin species with European, Oriental, and African distribution.

Sima del Elefante

Site in Atapuerca, Spain, with evidence of the first Europeans (Homo sp.) dating back to 1.3 Ma.

Gran Dolina

Site in Atapuerca, Spain, with Homo antecessor remains dating back 850-950 ka, showing evidence of cannibalism.

Homo antecessor

An extinct human species found in Gran Dolina, Spain dating back 950-850 ka; with debated evolutionary relationships, showing H. sapiens-like facial traits and Neanderthal-like dental traits.

Sima de los Huesos

Site in Atapuerca, Spain, with Homo heidelbergensis remains dating back 400 ka, showing a clear relationship with Neanderthals.

Middle Stone Age/Middle Paleolithic

Technological period characterized by Mousterian tools and prepared core technology.

La Cotte de St. Brelade & Torralba-Ambrona

Sites providing evidence for big game hunting by Middle Pleistocene hominins, including collaborative hunting efforts.

Neanderthals (H. neanderthalensis)

Hominin species inhabiting Europe and Western Asia from ~150-40 ka.

Cranial Capacity of Neanderthals

Ranges from 1125-1740 cm3, averaging 1520 cm3.

Neanderthal Cranial Morphology

Includes double-arched browridges, large nose, occipital bun, and retromolar space.

H. Neanderthalensis

Shows systematic use of mouth as a “third hand,” resulting in extremely worn teeth.

Mousterian (Mode 3)

Tool culture associated with Middle Stone Age/Middle Paleolithic, utilizing prepared core technology (Levallois technique).

Neanderthal Subsistence

Involved hafted weapons, competent hunting, specialized prey selection, plant consumption, and potentially no permanent shelters.

Shanidar 4

Neanderthal burial site interpreted as possible evidence of intentional flower burial.

Neanderthal Behavioral Modernity

Evidenced by burials, care of elderly individuals, personal ornamentation, and potentially rock art.

Neanderthal-Modern Human Interactions

Included co-inhabitation, hybridization, and potential knowledge interchange, possibly related to Neanderthal extinction.

Neanderthal Ancestry

Modern humans of European descent have an estimated 2.7% Neanderthal DNA.