Story perspectives

Altamura Man's Nose Challenges Neanderthal Evolution Theories

11/20/2025

Summary

Story summary

Altamura Man, a Neanderthal skeleton from southern Italy, is analyzed to reveal nasal anatomy.
Researchers using endoscopic tools found that Altamura Man's nasal structures resemble those of modern humans, contradicting the belief that large noses evolved to warm cold air.
The findings suggest Neanderthal facial features arose from diverse evolutionary pressures rather than direct cold adaptation, and they call for more specimens to understand Late Pleistocene adaptations.

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Story summary

Altamura Man, a Neanderthal skeleton from southern Italy, is analyzed to reveal nasal anatomy.
Researchers using endoscopic tools found that Altamura Man's nasal structures resemble those of modern humans, contradicting the belief that large noses evolved to warm cold air.
The findings suggest Neanderthal facial features arose from diverse evolutionary pressures rather than direct cold adaptation, and they call for more specimens to understand Late Pleistocene adaptations.