Should Neanderthals be classified as a Sub-species of Humans?

Introduction

            Homo Neanderthals refer to the extinct members of the Homo genus. They are known from Pleistocene samples and they are believed to have originated from Europe and central and western Asia. They are believed to have interbred with modern human beings hence bringing forth the existing generation. Homo Neanderthals were more like human but lived in cold conditions. Homo sapiens refer to the existing human beings. They are believed to have evolved over the ages with and continually adapted to their various environments. Human beings constitute the final product of the evolution and are more complex compared to other species. Archeologists have relentlessly tried to establish a nexus between Homo Neanderthals and Homo sapiens (Friedemann, Stéphanie and Christine 2009, 55). There has been continued research to compare the two in order to establish any relationships. In addition, there has been unending debates with most individuals arguing that there exists no closer relationship between Neanderthals and human beings. They argue that they evolved as two different species with varying characteristics. Homo Neanderthals and Homo sapiens have been compared from different perspectives. Thus, there have been continued comparisons and distinctions in relation to their DNA, diet, habitat, activities, physical appearance and other different points of view (Hans-Joachim 2010, 89). This essay explicates the various arguments relating to the relationship between Homo Neanderthals and Homo sapiens.

Scientists have carried out vigorous DNA tests between human and the remains of Homo Neanderthal. They accumulated bone remains of Homo Neanderthals that would help in the delivery of accurate results. Laboratory tests have been conducted through thorough analysis of the DNAs relating to the two species (Linda and Paul 2007, 102). This was believed to be the most significant step towards establishing the existing relationship between Homo Neanderthals and Homo sapiens. Human DNA was closely compared to that in Homo Neanderthals. From the tests it was established that the mitochondrion part of the human DNA differed from that of Homo Neanderthals. There exists a difference in the mitochondrion structure of the DNAs hence a clear indication that there is no relationship between the two species. Human beings would not have emerged from Homo Neanderthals because they bear a different mitochondrion structure. In addition, the human DNA differed from that of Neanderthals in relation to the genes. The significant difference between the components in the DNA led to doubts as to whether Neanderthals could be classified as a sub-species of human. DNA is a major determinant in any relationship. The differences between that of Homo sapiens and Homo Neanderthals is  a proof that Homo Neanderthals are not related to humans hence failing the test to be classified as a sub-species of humans (Peter 2010, 159).

Homo Neanderthals lived in colder areas while Homo sapiens live in warmer areas in forms of buildings. Neanderthals were made in such a manner that they were adapted to colder conditions. They would at times move to warmer places in cases where the temperatures fell below their normal conditions. They lived in colder conditions and engaged in continuous movements from one place to another is search for better habitats. They were effectively adapted to the cold conditions of Europe in which they lived. Their hairy nature made them easily adaptable to the cold climatic conditions and hence effectively surviving. They hard a harder skin compares to modern human beings. This ensured that they effectively adapted to the colder condition in which they lived. In contrast, Homo sapiens live in warmer conditions in specially made structure. The structures are in form of houses hence ensuring that they are safe from harsh climatic conditions such ads excess heat and cold. Homo sapiens do not contain excessive hairs that would protect them from harsh climatic conditions; this makes them to continually wear heavy cloths that offer protection from such conditions (Thorolf and Winfried 2007, 78). While in their habitats, Homo Neanderthals lived in groups in order to ensure that they were safe from external attacks and internal enemies. This created a community that would easily interbreed to bring forward newer generations. Similarly, Homo sapiens live in communities where they continually interact between themselves. This boosts coexistence and understandability among them. The habitats of the two specially differ to a great extent hence limiting the chances of a closer relationship. Anthropologists suggest that closer relationships would be established in cases where there was a tangible similarity in the two habitats (Katerina and Terry 2006, 102).

Archeological studies indicate that Homo Neanderthals were depended on meat for their food. This means that they were more of carnivores than omnivores.  They were hunters in their entire life time. Homo Neanderthals would hunt for both smaller and larger animals with a view to gathering foodstuffs. They had stronger jaws compared to modern human beings hence had the ability to crush larger bones. The hunting was conducted in groups with a view to achieving the required safety levels. Homo Neanderthals did not carry out any farming activities hence did not feed on vegetables. They only concentrated on gathering hunted meat and cooking it in groups. Its believed that they would at times consume each other.  In cases where there was an immense hunger crisis, Homo Neanderthals would attack one of their own and use him for food. Homo Sapiens are different because they are majorly omnivores. They feed on both vegetables and meat from other consumable animals (Jon 2010, 79). They carry out various farming activities that lead to the planting of crops that are subsequently used as subsistence. They combine both vegetables and meat in their diet. The combination leads to sufficient balance of diet as the foods complement each other. Homo sapiens do not feed on each other in cases of hunger crises. This is a major distinction from Homo Neanderthals that would consider consuming their own kind. The difference in diet renders the relationship between Homo Neanderthals and Homo sapiens narrow. Closer feeding habits would have revealed closer relations (Jon 2010, 81).

Language is another vital area of comparison in the establishment of the relationship between Homo Neanderthals and Homo sapiens. Homo Neanderthals were not able to communicate effectively as they did not develop the aspect of language. Language is a driving force in the existence of various species. The society would only succeed through proper use of language in the process of creating. It is believed that Homo Neanderthals experienced changes in the FOXP2 gene hence unable to develop language and speech. This means that they were not able to move their mouths and communicate to each other. They did not have any aspect of understandable language. They would communicate via signs that would only be understood by their populations. Human have proficiency in various languages. There exists many languages all over the globe that are developed by human beings. It is reported that there was successful transformation in the FOXP2 gene in human beings hence the development of language. Therefore, there is  a distinction between the FOXP2 genes in Homo sapiens and Homo Neanderthals. Human beings have the capacity to speak to each other  at all times hence making language more effective in all societies. The distinction in the language determining gene is an indication of the separate origins between humans and Neanderthals. It is through closer language relationships that species are classified to be related. The existing deviations limit the closeness between the two species (Hans-Joachim 2010, 104).

Homo Neanderthals were shorter and had various distinctive morphological features from Homo sapiens. They had a robust stature and heavier bones compared to modern human beings. In addition, their cranium differed from that of Homo sapiens. Physical appearance is an effective tool used in the comparison of relationships. Homo Neanderthals had a stronger physical appearance compared to Homo sapiens. This ensured that they were able to hunt courageously and survive the harsh climatic conditions that formed part of their habitat. They were hairy in most parts of their body in order to survive the harsh climatic conditions. They were shorter than Homo sapiens and appeared stronger for successful hunting. Homo Neanderthals were not able to adapt to various conditions and changes in climate. They had a weaker adaptability rate compared to Homo sapiens who are able to adapt to any changes in climate. Homo sapiens are made in a manner that they are able to adapt to all climatic conditions hence making it easier for them to survive. They have a balanced appearance and have lesser hairy coverage compared to Homo Neanderthals. This similarity closely links human beings to Neanderthals hence leading to continued debates (Linda and Paul 2007, 78).

Groundbreaking analysis confirms that Homo Neanderthals had a bigger brain compared to Homo sapiens. They had approximately 1500 cubic centimeters in order to support their huge bodies. The brain size had to balance with their bodies and ensure that they had effective balance in their operations. Homo sapiens on the other hand have  a smaller brain capacity which would balance their lighter weights and ensure balance of their bodies. The colder conditions in which they lived is believed to have been responsible for the larger brains that they developed. They had differences in brain capacities because of their existing deviations in body size.

The relationship between Neanderthals and Homo sapiens has not been clearly established. Researchers have put forward various arguments to defend their points of view in relations to the classification of Homo Neanderthals as a sub-species of human beings. The major differences between these two species limit the chances of a relationship. They would only be related in case most of their characteristics were in close resemblance. Existence of major differences is indicates that there is no relationship between the two species. They are not related and hence Homo Neanderthals cannot be classified as a sub-species of human beings (Hans-Joachim 2010, 102-105).

In conclusion, Homo Neanderthals and Homo sapiens differ greatly. Many archeologists and scientists have attempted to establish various relationships between the two species without success. There has been continuous controversy in terms of classification hence the need to determine their various characteristics. Homo sapiens and Neanderthals differ in their DNA  compositions. Neanderthals have a different mitochondrion composition compared to Homo sapiens, the difference in structure of the mitochondrion limits the changes for a closer relationship between the two species. They have varying diets. Neanderthals mainly relied on meat from hunted animals and that from their own kind. They were mainly carnivores unlike Homo sapiens that were majorly omnivores combining both vegetables and meat in their diet. Diet variation limits the close relationships (Peter 2010, 102). The two species differ in their habitats. Homo sapiens live in well established structures in form of houses hence making it easier for protection against enemies and harsh weather conditions. For a tangible relationship to be established between different species there must be  a closer relationship in their characteristics. Vital characteristics should be closely related in order to ensure that the bond between such species is established. Thus, the existing larger differences between Homo Neanderthals and Homo sapiens renders the relationship invalid. They should not be classified as a sub-species of human beings.

Bibliography

Friedemann, Shrenk, Müller Stéphanie, and Hemm Christine. The Neanderthals. New York:         Taylor & Francis, 2009.

Hans-Joachim, Zillmer. The Human History Mistake: The Neanderthals and Other Inventions of    the Evolution and Earth Sciences. London: Trafford Publishing, 2010.

Jon, Schiller. Human Evolution: Neanderthals & Homosapiens. New York: CreateSpace, 2010.

Katerina, Harvati, and Harrison Terry. Neanderthals Revisited: New Approaches And         Perspectives. London: Springer, 2006.

Linda, Stone, and Lurquin Paul. Genes, Culture, And Human Evolution: A Synthesis. New York:  Wiley-Blackwell, 2007.

Peter, Lafreniere. Adaptive Origins: Evolution and Human Development. New York: Taylor and   Francis, 2010.

Thorolf, Hardt, and Henke Winfried. Handbook Of Paleoanthropology. Springer : London, 2007.