Who were the Neanderthals? The Denisovans? The earliest modern humans? This discussion forum will allow you to talk about one or more of several potential ways of reading this question. Be sure to show that you have read about and understand the issues at hand.
Who were the Neanderthals? The Denisovans?
Who were the Neanderthals? The Denisovans? The earliest modern humans? This discussion forum will allow you to talk about one or more of several potential ways of reading this question. Be sure to show that you have read about and understand the issues at hand.
One original post addressing any two of the questions below (around 250 words total) will earn you full credit.
Why have Neanderthals been portrayed as unintelligent? What evidence is there contradicting this?
Do you think Neanderthals and Denisovans should be classified as their own species (e.g. Homo neanderthalensis) or classified together as subspecies of modern humans (e.g. Homo sapiens neanderthalensis)? What evidence could be used to support your position?
What is the meaning (significance) of burial of the dead for humans today (consider the wide range of human culture)? Can we say the same for the Neanderthals–why or why not?
How does the existence of Denisovans, a third archaic species alongside Neanderthals and early Homo sapiens, inform our understanding of the origin of ourselves? Discuss in terms of the three models in the textbook.
And this is the second;
In your final post in this class, I’d like to to share your perspective on the future of Homo sapiens. We’ve covered millions of years of the history of our kind; what do you think the future holds? Will we adapt to the planet that we are changing? Will we slow down, alter, or redirect some of the changes that have begun under our watch? Are you optimistic…or not? Why?
