The Nasal Complex of Neanderthals: An Entry Portal to their Place in Human Ancestry

Abstract

Neanderthals are one of the most intensely studied groups of extinct humans, as aspects of their phylogeny and functional morphology remain controversial. They have long been described as cold adapted but recent analyses of their nasal anatomy suggest that traits formerly considered adaptations may be the result of genetic drift. This study performs quantitative and qualitative analysis of aspects of the nasal complex (NC) in Neanderthals and other later Pleistocene fossils from Europe and Africa. A geographically diverse sample of modern human crania was used to establish an anatomical baseline for populations inhabiting cold and tropical climates. Nasofrontal angle, piriform aperture dimensions, and relative maxillary sinus volume were analyzed along with qualitative features of the piriform aperture rim. Results indicate that Neanderthals and other later Pleistocene Homo possessed NC's that align them with tropical modern humans. Thus comparison of Neanderthal nasal morphology with that of modern humans from cold climates may not be appropriate as differences in overall craniofacial architecture may constrain the narrowing of the piriform apertures in Neanderthals. They retain primitively long, low crania, large maxillary sinuses, and large piriform aperture area similar to mid-Pleistocene Homo specimens such as Petralona 1 and Kabwe 1. Adaptation to cold climate may have necessitated other adaptations such as bony medial projections at the piriform aperture rim and, potentially, midfacial prognathism. Nasal complex components of the upper respiratory tract remain a critical but poorly understood area that may yet offer novel insight into one of the greatest continuing controversies in paleoanthropology. Anat Rec, 297:2121Rec, 297: -2137

Diversipede (April 2016) Volume 2, Number 1: FULL TEXT

“…The debate regarding whether or not the Neanderthals should be classified as a distinct species from anatomically modern humans has been ongoing for over a century. Several researchers have attempted to solve this evolutionary mystery; however, they continue to remain divided on the issue today (Klein 2009;Márquez at al. 2014;Weaver 2003Weaver , 2009Wolpoff et al 2004).…”

“…Based on fossil and archaeological evidence, it had been widely speculated that Neanderthals were simply extreme versions of cold-adapted humans that were capable of the same level of cognitive and symbolic thought as anatomically modern Homo sapiens (Harvati 2003;Hublin 2014;Klein 2009;Márquez at al. 2014;Pearce et al 2013;Weaver 2003Weaver , 2009Wolpoff at al.…”

Neanderthals: species or subspecies?

“…The debate regarding whether or not the Neanderthals should be classified as a distinct species from anatomically modern humans has been ongoing for over a century. Several researchers have attempted to solve this evolutionary mystery; however, they continue to remain divided on the issue today (Klein 2009;Márquez at al. 2014;Weaver 2003Weaver , 2009Wolpoff et al 2004).…”

“…Based on fossil and archaeological evidence, it had been widely speculated that Neanderthals were simply extreme versions of cold-adapted humans that were capable of the same level of cognitive and symbolic thought as anatomically modern Homo sapiens (Harvati 2003;Hublin 2014;Klein 2009;Márquez at al. 2014;Pearce et al 2013;Weaver 2003Weaver , 2009Wolpoff at al.…”

“…His list of criteria contain the following: divergence of populations and geographic separation, establishment of identifiable morphology, development of different apomorphies, selection against hybrid individuals, establishment of differing mate recognition systems, reproductive isolation, and ultimately, a complete lack of viability of hybrids (Pearson 2008, 44). Based on several anatomical and genetic studies (Castellano et al 2014;Currant and Excoffier 2011;Harvati 2003, Hublin 2014Márquez et al 2014;Neves and Serva 2012;Pearce et al 2013;Pearson 2008Rak et al 2002;Ramirez 2004;Sankararaman et al 2014;Vernot and Akey 2014;Weaver 2003Weaver , 2009Wolpoff at al. 2004), it can be demonstrated that the Neanderthals had adapted and evolved separately in Eurasia to the extent that their morphology and genes were no longer compatible with their ancestors who were simultaneously evolving in Africa.…”