Neandertal skull on left, H. sapiens sapiens on the right | What is interesting about the Neandertals is that their brain capacity was far larger than modern humans, reaching 1520 cm3. This large brain size is thought to be due to metabolic compensation of the cold environment. The cranium it self is large, long, with a bulging of the sides. The posterior portion of the occipital bone is bun shaped, giving a bump at the base of the skull. The forehead rises vertically while holding arched brow ridges. The is a projection of the face, with a receding forehead and chin. The jaws are robust and heavy containing large front teeth. |
 Neandertal skull on the left, H. sapiens sapiens on the right | The body was very robust supporting a stocky body with short limbs and a barreled chest. The body was also heavily muscled, and very thick to protect from the harsh cold environment. Another adaptation to the cold was the appearance of broad noses, this larger nasal area allowed for the air to have a more moisture and warming distance before it reached the lungs |