Scientists believed that Neanderthals’ large noses were built to warm cold air, an essential adaptation to the icy landscapes they inhabited. But a new analysis of a nearly perfectly preserved Neanderthal skull has thrown that theory into question. Researchers studying the fossil, called Altamura Man, discovered that his nasal passages may not have been as specialized for cold as previously thought.
The Altamura Man fossil, one of the most complete Neanderthal skeletons ever found, has provided an unexpected opportunity to look at the details of Neanderthal anatomy in a way that earlier fossils couldn’t. Previously, scientists assumed that Neanderthal faces, especially their large noses, were uniquely suited for cold weather. But this new research, led by paleoanthropologist Costantino Buzi from the University of Perugia, challenges that view.
A Nose That’s Not So Cold-Adapted
A previous studies using virtual models of Neanderthal skulls suggested that their nasal passages were capable of warming and moistening cold air more efficiently than modern humans. The theory gained traction, as it seemed to explain how Neanderthals could have survived the freezing temperatures of Ice Age Europe. But the Altamura Man fossil, discovered deep within a cave in Italy, is giving researchers second thoughts.
According to a study, published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the researchers used an endoscope, a flexible camera, to examine the nasal cavity of Altamura Man without damaging the fossil. The results were surprising.
The expected features, like extra bony ridges or a missing roof over the lacrimal groove, weren’t there. These traits had long been thought to be hallmarks of Neanderthal cold adaptation. In their place, the researchers found a nasal structure that didn’t seem particularly specialized for cold weather at all. As Costantino Buzi put it:
“This surely is the first time we have clearly seen these structures in a human fossil.” He added, “We can finally say that some traits that were considered diagnostic in the Neanderthal cranium do not exist.”
A More Accurate View of Neanderthal Anatomy
Discovered in the 1990s, the fossil includes parts of the skull, spine, and chest. The fossil is so delicate that researchers couldn’t simply remove it from the cave for study. Instead, they used high-tech imaging to get a closer look at the nasal cavity without disturbing the bones.
Instead of a special adaptation for surviving in ice and snow, it seems that the large noses were more likely the result of general facial growth patterns. The large nasal passages and protruding jaw appear to reflect a larger skull size, rather than being specifically shaped to handle cold air.
“Everything in Neanderthals has been shoehorned into the idea that they’re adapted to cold,” said Todd Rae of the University of Sussex.
Surviving the Cold in Other Ways
So if Neanderthals didn’t survive by relying on special adaptations like large, cold-warming noses, how did they manage to live through harsh winters and ice ages? The Altamura Man study suggests that Neanderthals may have survived the cold not through their biology alone, but through a combination of culture and adaptability.
They likely used fire to stay warm, wore clothing made from animal hides, and built shelters to protect themselves from the elements. Neanderthal groups also cooperated closely, sharing resources and helping one another survive in harsh conditions.
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