Good Decoding Neanderthals, Communication Essay Example

Neanderthals have been viewed by scientists for years as being unintelligent brutes, incapable of language and high level thought. Recent research in genetics has made important discoveries about Neanderthals. Geneticists are extracting DNA from the remains of Neanderthals and comparing it to the DNA of homo-sapiens and there have been some surprising discoveries. The process of decoding and analyzing the DNA had never been done before.
Scientists compared the genomes in Neanderthals genetic blueprint with the genetic make-up for five humans of different ethnicities. They discovered that Europeans and then Asians had more in common with Neanderthals than Africans. This discovery led to the belief that it is possible for homo-sapiens and Neanderthal could breed successfully and this is why we share these genomes.
One are of the genetic map that the scientists compared between humans and Neanderthals was the FOXP2 gene that is associated with language. Both species share this gene. This implies that Neanderthals did have the ability to communicate and express themselves. Recent discoveries in archeology have found seashells that had holes drilled in them that had traces of hematite on them. This suggests that the shells were used for self-ornamentation. Evidence of oyster shells with pigment in them and bone shards with pigment have also been discovered. This implies that they painted themselves with this pigment.
Neanderthals genetic blueprint has prompted scientists to view them in a very different light than they had been for many years. These genomes have shown that Neanderthals had the ability to communicate in some way. Evidence from archeological site have uncovered shells and bones and the presence of pigments which suggest that Neanderthals painted and adorned themselves as a means of expression.

Decoding Neanderthals, Tools

Scientists have maintained over the years that Neanderthal man was lacking in intelligence. They are viewed because of early scientific finds, to be powerfully built and very strong. This physical make-up allowed them to be brutal hunters. Neanderthals did not possess intelligence like their cousin homo sapiens and probably did not have the ability to communicate. Recent research has uncovered evidence that these stereotypes of the Neanderthal are misconceptions.
Genetic research also demonstrates that homo-sapiens and Neanderthals share certain genes. The belief that Neanderthals were not related to modern man is a misconception. The sharing of certain genomes between the species implies that Neanderthals possessed skills and abilities previously considered not possible.
Neanderthals were hunter-gatherers. They had to approach their prey at a very close distance in order to stab them with their spears. Their powerful physical build and the spears they used made this possible. Recent discoveries and investigation have uncovered that their spears were well crafted. The “Levallois flakes” the sharp heads they used for their spears and as knives have been proven to be difficult to make. The flaking of a flint stone to create the shape and sharpness requires skill and dexterity. The Levallois flake, once completed is a very efficient blade that can quickly cut through meat. They are not created haphazardly or through luck. In order to attach their blades to a shaft to create a spear, Neanderthals used two methods in conjunction with one another. First they tied the spearhead to the shaft by using sinew or leather. Then a pitch or glue was used to secure the joint. The glue is made from pitch from birch trees. Scientist have been trying to recreate the synthesis of this product. Birch bark needs to be burned, its pitch extracted then applied to the spear. This process is complicated and indicates that Neanderthals possessed the intelligence to create this product. Scientist who are trying to recreate the process have done so but not in the quantities that were required.
The technology employed by Neanderthals is more complex than originally thought. To create their spears and blades required skill and a complex process. As more evidence is uncovered by archeologists, scientists are reconsidering their view of the Neanderthal.