A groundbreaking digital analysis of a remarkably well-preserved Neanderthal skull, known as the “Altamura Man,” is challenging long-held theories about the evolutionary purpose of Neanderthal noses. The study, published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), suggests that the large nasal cavities of Neanderthals may not have evolved primarily to warm cold air, as previously thought.
The Altamura Man, discovered in 1993 by speleologists exploring a cave near Altamura, southern Italy, is one of the most complete Neanderthal skeletons ever found. Encased in a thick layer of calcite, or “cave popcorn,” the skeleton has remained in situ to prevent damage, providing a unique opportunity for researchers to study its pristine nasal cavity.
New Insights into Neanderthal Nasal Anatomy
The study’s lead author, Costantino Buzi, a paleoanthropologist at the University of Perugia, explains that the well-preserved nasal cavity of Altamura Man offers rare insights into whether Neanderthals’ facial structures were adapted to cold climates. “The general shape of the nasal cavity and nasal aperture in Neanderthals follows a quite constant trend,” Buzi noted, highlighting that while the nasal openings were large, they were not unique compared to modern humans.
Previously, it was believed that Neanderthals’ large noses were adaptations for living in cold, dry environments, potentially aiding in warming and humidifying air before it reached the lungs. However, Buzi and his team utilized endoscopic probes to capture video inside the nasal cavity, creating 3D models that revealed the inner nasal structures were not significantly different from those of modern humans.
Challenging Established Theories
The findings have significant implications for understanding Neanderthal biology. Todd Rae, a paleoanthropologist at the University of Sussex, who was not involved in the study, commented on the results, stating that “two of the three previously proposed unique features of the Neanderthal nasal cavity do not appear to be present in this specimen.” Rae suggests that this lack of unique traits indicates previously unknown intraspecies variability among Neanderthals.
Buzi concurs that while there may be some variability, the evidence remains limited due to the scarcity of well-preserved specimens like Altamura Man. The study invites a reevaluation of why Neanderthals had large noses, proposing that it might not be solely due to cold-weather adaptations.
Revisiting Neanderthal Evolutionary Pressures
Rae further elaborates that wide noses are a common feature among earlier Homo species and most Homo sapiens, except for a small proportion of northern European and Arctic populations. This suggests that the large Neanderthal nose might have been an efficient adaptation for managing the temperature and humidity of inhaled air, necessary for their large bodies.
Buzi adds that various environmental pressures and physical constraints likely influenced the development of the Neanderthal face, resulting in an alternative yet functional model for the harsh climate of the European Late Pleistocene. “Numerous environmental pressures and physical constraints likely helped shape the Neanderthal face,” he said.
Implications for Future Research
This study opens new avenues for research into the evolutionary biology of Neanderthals and their adaptations. The use of virtual paleoanthropology techniques, as demonstrated by Buzi’s team, provides a non-invasive method to study fragile fossilized remains, potentially leading to further discoveries.
As researchers continue to explore the complexities of Neanderthal anatomy, the Altamura Man stands as a testament to the intricate history of human evolution. Future studies may further unravel the mysteries of how environmental and physiological factors shaped our ancient relatives, offering deeper insights into the evolutionary journey shared by all humans.
