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3.4 gather, process, present and analyse information to provide an overview of the similarities and differences of any two species used in tracing evolutionary relationships

gather, process, present and analyse information to provide an overview of the similarities and differences of any two species used in tracing evolutionary relationships

Features Homo neanderthalensis Homo sapiens
chin no chin prominent chin
eye brow ridge large small
cranial capacity 1400-1750 cc 1350-1500 cc
occipital bun present absent
face mid-face projection flattened
body stature highly muscled, thick bones slighter build
cold adaptations yes no
age 200 000–30 000 years ago 130 000 to present day.
culture complex culture, burial of the dead, tool making complex culture, burial of the dead, tool making

These two species share many similarities and at times have been classified as belonging to the same species (Homo sapiens sapiens and Homo sapiens neanderthalensis).

Some similarities include similar body shape, made and used stone tools lived in groups, hunted large prey. Differences include Neanderthals had a larger brain sizes as well as a larger body.

Comparing Homo neanderthalensis and Homo sapiens (external website) Smithsonian Institute