1.Describe general characteristics of fossils categorized as Archaic homo sapiens, their temporal and geographic range. Exclude Neandertals. Discuss some of the problems associated with the understanding of this fossil taxon.
(b) Appear more similar to modern humans
(c) Reduced face, less prognathic, greater frontal lobe
Archaic fossils have been found in Europe, Africa and Asia. Problems arise because there is very little fossil record and they are too young to date with pot/argon and too old to date with radiocarbon.
2.Over time neandertals have been considered both extremely primitive and nearly modern. Discuss morphological characteristics that distinguish them from both Homo Erectus and anatomically modern sapiens.
BINFORD: claims that neandertals were only scavengers, most of the bones found were only skull and feet bones. Thus pointing towards the idea that they were killing small prey and scavenging large already made kills.
It suggests that neandertals cared for disabled, evidence shows disabilities that required care by other members of the group. Burial recovery of skeletons with bone fractures that suggest they were being cared for, they survived where they would not have without help. Also evidence that they buried their dead, bodies have been found in association of goods. Suggests religious practice and altruistic behavior, contemporary to modern human populations. The Fossil record is consistent to the point where we can assume they were taking care of them, if monkeys and apes can do it so could Neandertals. <
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