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NEANDERTHAL

Since the first Homo neanderthalensis fossil was recognized in 1856, many hundreds more have been found, but scientists have yet to unearth a complete skeleton of this extinct hominid species. Instead, experts here at the American Museum of Natural History have created one by combining fossil casts from six separate specimens. Although this skeleton does not represent a single individual, it reveals a great deal about Neanderthals in general—especially about how these close relatives differ from modern humans.

EXAMINE THE EVIDENCE: Neanderthal skeleton
At first glance, the Neanderthal skeleton might appear to be just a bulkier version of the modern human one. But a closer look reveals important differences.

Neanderthal:

• long, low braincase and double-arched browridge
• flaring, funnel-shaped chest
• flaring pelvis
• robust fingers and toes

Modern human:

• tall, rounded braincase and small, divided browridge
• cylindrical, barrel-shaped chest
• narrow pelvis
• slender fingers and toes

SKELETON STAFF
Experts at the American Museum of Natural History assembled the first complete Neanderthal skeleton using specimens from multiple individuals. The project took two years to complete.

• The First Humans
• Early Tools
• Turkana Boy
• Many Faces of Homo
• Out of Africa
• Peking Man
• Spreading through Asia
• The First Europeans
• New Migrants
• Evolution in Europe
• The Neanderthals
• The Origin of Our Species
• The Arrival of Homo sapiens
• Life during the Ice Age
• Expansion of Homo sapiens
• The Symbolic World