View source for Neandertals (Neanderthals)

'''''Evolution Says .....'''''

''Hesperopithecus evolved into the Neandertals. The Neandertals evolved into humans (Homo sapiens). The fossil evidence proves this. The existence of these human-like creatures with large ape-like skulls, proves that humans evolved.''

'''The Facts Are .....'''

(1) The first reasonably complete fossil Neandertal skeleton was reconstructed by Boule in 1908 with an ape-like stoop. It took 40 years for scientists to correct this error. Even so, many  teachers still teach Boule's original interpretation of the Neandertal's stooping physique as fact, as it lends weight to human evolution. M. L. Lubenow, "Bones of  Contention", Baker Book House Co: Michigan, 1992 p:59-62

(2) Neandertal's primitive features are now considered to be the result of nutritional deficiencies and pathological conditions. They are now classified as fully human. Nature, Vol. 227 p:577

(3) Fossils of modern humans and Neandertals have been found together, at the same level, in the same fossil sites. It is therefore scientifically improper to state that modern humans evolved from Neandertals. M. L. Lubenow, "Bones of  Contention", Baker Book House Co: Michigan, 1992  p:180

(4) In 1924 two skulls identified as Homo sapiens (ie. modern human) were found lower than the tools of Neandertals. This makes humans older than Neandertals, and shows that Neandertals could not logically evolve into humans. Scientific Monthly, Vol. 67, December 1948 p:436-439

(5) There are a number of palaeoanthropologists who believe that today's interpretation of Neandertals is not correct. These researchers believe that Neandertal's bigger than average brain means that they were almost certainly capable of articulate speech as we are today. Anthropologist Anne-Marie Tillier (Bordeaux University) believes that Neandertals should be assumed to be 'just like us, until proven otherwise'. New Scientist, February 15, 1992  p:9

(6) Neandertal bones found in some Israeli caves have been found in some places above human bones, and in others along side them. Anthropologists regard both types of bones as being "one big anatomically variable population". Science News, Vol. 139, June 8, 1991 p:360-363

(7) A world-wide study has shown that many modern Danes and Norwegians have identical cranial features to Neandertals - ie. a short narrow skull, large cheekbones and nose, and a bun-like bony bulge on the back of their heads. Their skulls are also about the same height and length as a Neandertal skull. The Arizona Republic, Vol. 99, No. 186, November 20, 1988 p:B-5

(8) "If modern cranial form is appraised world-wide in regard to these same (Neandertal-like) attributes, then it is clear that northwest Europeans can be distinguished from the rest of the people in the world by precisely the same set of characteristics." Written by Carle Hodge his article "Neanderthal Traits Extant, Group Told", in The Arizona Republic, Vol. 99, No. 186, November 20, 1988 p:B-5

(9) An announcement was made at the American Anthropological Association in Washington DC, in 1985, which confirmed that Neandertals were human. Data on the birth canal of the pelvis of Neandertal females showed that it was the same size as those of modern humans. Science News, December 14, 1985 p:376

(10) "Evolutionary models centred on a direct ancestor-descendant relationship between Neandertals and modern Homo sapiens must surely now be discarded". Written by Chris Stringer, an evolution specialist at the British Museum, in  Nature, February 18, 1988 p:614-616; Sydney Morning Herald, 19/2/88[[Category:Evolution]]