Nosing beyond the stone age: deciphering nasal evolution from Neanderthals to modern Man

Abstract Introduction: Neanderthals, our extinct relatives, exhibited distinct nasal morphology compared to Homo sapiens. Objectives: This study explores these differences through a comparative analysis of cranionasal measurements. Material and Methods: Data on Neanderthal nasal features were obtained from existing paleoanthropological literature, focusing on 16 hominid fossils. A parallel sample of 38 modern human CT scans was retrospectively reviewed, with measurements focusing on nasal region. Results: Neanderthals displayed significantly larger nasal cavities with increased basion-nasion and basion-prosthion distances, wider intercanine dimensions, and larger nasal breadth and height compared to modern humans. Choanal width and nasal index did not differ significantly. Conclusions: These findings suggest functional adaptations in Neanderthal nasal morphology, potentially aiding in thermoregulation within cold environments. Further research is needed to fully understand the evolutionary significance of these adaptations.