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The Neanderthal lower arm.

Isabelle De Groote¹

¹University College London, Department of Anthropology, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom. i.degroote@nhm.ac.uk.

Journal of Human Evolution

|July 19, 2011

Summary

Neanderthal forearms were robust, featuring distinct radius and ulna bone shapes compared to modern humans. These morphological differences reflect adaptations for a cold climate and powerful movements.

Area of Science:

Paleoanthropology
Human Evolution
Skeletal Morphology

Background:

Neanderthal lower arm bones (radius and ulna) exhibit unique features.
Previous studies focused on individual bone traits for distinguishing Neanderthals from Homo sapiens.

Purpose of the Study:

To comprehensively analyze the overall morphology of Neanderthal, early Homo sapiens, and recent Homo sapiens radii and ulnae.
To identify and describe morphological differences and similarities among these hominin groups.

Main Methods:

Utilized 3D geometric morphometrics and standard multivariate statistical analyses.
Compared complete radii and ulnae from Neanderthals, Upper Paleolithic Homo sapiens, and diverse recent human populations.

Main Results:

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Individual bone features showed minimal differences; Neanderthals and early Homo sapiens fell within modern human variation.
Analysis of combined measurements and shapes revealed significant distinctions.
Neanderthal radii showed lateral curvature and specific tuberosity/head shapes. Neanderthal ulnae had anterior trochlear notches and sinusoidal shafts.

Conclusions:

Neanderthal lower arm morphology indicates adaptation to a cold climate with a powerful, short forearm.
Homo sapiens forearms are less adapted for pronation/supination.
Observed differences are linked to Neanderthal body proportions and retained primitive hominoid traits.