150 years of Neandertal studies : old questions, new answers

EAA : European association of AnthropologyTitre du volume : Human evolution : facts and factorsInternational audienceThe original Neanderthal specimen was discovered 150 years ago. In this paper we will review our knowledge concerning this middle Pleistocene fossil population in relation to the following questions : Which of the Neanderthal anatomical traits permit us to recognize and define the Neanderthals as a distinct population ? What do we know about their growth and development ? Do the morphological features observed result from adaptation to the particular climate of the middle Pleistocene ? Does the Neanderthal pattern indicate long-lasting isolation in Europe or even speciation ? The Nenderthals inhabited a vast geographical area extending from Portugal to Uzbekistan and from northern Europe to the Near East. This raises the question concerning the homogeneity of the Neanderthal population. Is it possible to identify local varations in such a large space ? Can one speak of a cultural and behavorial particularities for the Neanderthals