Even though the Neanderthal skull appears larger than the Cro-Magnon skull, it houses a slightly smaller brain due to its flattened shape. Since Neanderthals (pictured in the re-creation above) had a smaller brain, they probably were not as intelligent as the Cro-Magnons. Since the Cro-Magnons were presumably smarter, what are some characteristics that can be attributed to that?
See if you can determine which of the following characteristics belong to Neanderthals and which belong to Cro-Magnons. Some may even describe both species. Attempt to answer each question. Then click the question to see if you are correct.
| Which human is shorter, stockier, and more muscular? | Neanderthal |
| Which human used more sophisticated tools made of horn and bone? | Cro-Magnon |
| Which human buried their dead, even placing symbols or flowers with the bodies. | Both Neanderthal and Cro-Magnon |
| Which human had more advanced language capabilities and complex social organizations? | Cro-Magnon |
| Which humans migrated out of Africa? | Both Neanderthal and Cro-Magnon |
| Which humans lived in shelters and used fire? | Both Neanderthal and Cro-Magnon |
Question
In general, how would you compare Neanderthals to Cro-Magnons?
Neanderthals were stronger and stockier than Cro-Magnons with slightly smaller brains and a prominent brow ridge. They both used tools, language, fires, and buried their dead. Cro-Magnons were more sophisticated and are the same as modern humans.
