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Second, inspection of the cranium—which houses the brain—implied that brain development in Neanderthals may have been a slightly more protracted process than in
by lkrubner 9y ago
Second, inspection of the cranium—which houses the brain—implied that brain development in Neanderthals may have been a slightly more protracted process than in Homo sapiens.
This can be read as yet more evidence that Neanderthals were smarter than homo sapiens, with an even more protracted childhood to allow for longer brain development. In saying this, I'm influenced by the old arguments that Stephen Gould made suggesting a link between extended development and many of the traits that we think of as uniquely human.
- SerLava 9y agoMaybe the length of brain development evolved to be longer due to pressures selecting for /what/ the brain would be capable of doing, and then further evolutionary pressures compressed the time frame?
- rgrieselhuber 9y agoThis can also lead to some potentially dicey conclusions in certain corners that analyze prevalence of Neanderthal DNA in human populations.
- Method-X 9y agoLike what?
- RepressedEmu 9y agoHe is implying that a larger amount of Neanderthal DNA would lead to greater intelligence.
- rgrieselhuber 9y agoIt's not my assertion, just that there are those who say that.