Editing Openai/69177fbb-14c4-800f-bc57-ccb5a1d88c95 (section)

==== 1. Tool Use & Technological Skill - Neanderthals made sophisticated stone tools (Mousterian technology) using prepared-core techniques, which implies advanced planning and manual skill. Fiveable<ref>{{cite web|title=Fiveable|url=https://fiveable.me/world-prehistory/unit-4/neanderthal-anatomy-behavior-culture/study-guide/pLy1gwcNy6bMR1wp|publisher=fiveable.me|access-date=2025-11-17}}</ref> - They also used different raw materials (flint, bone, etc.) and may have hafted tools (attaching stone to handles). Biology Insights<ref>{{cite web|title=Biology Insights|url=https://biologyinsights.com/neanderthal-behavior-more-human-than-you-think/|publisher=Biology Insights|access-date=2025-11-17}}</ref> - Evidence suggests they produced adhesives such as birch tar, indicating complex cognition. Smithsonian Magazine<ref>{{cite web|title=Smithsonian Magazine|url=https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/eagle-talon-jewelry-suggests-neanderthals-were-capable-human-thought-180973451/|publisher=Smithsonian Magazine|access-date=2025-11-17}}</ref> ====
# Use of Fire and Spatial Organization - Hearths have been found in camps, often associated with organized living areas. Encyclopedia Britannica<ref>{{cite web|title=Encyclopedia Britannica|url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Neanderthal/Neanderthal-culture|publisher=Encyclopedia Britannica|access-date=2025-11-17}}</ref> - Some sites suggest seasonal or repeated occupation, not just transient hunting camps. Encyclopedia Britannica<ref>{{cite web|title=Encyclopedia Britannica|url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Neanderthal/Neanderthal-culture|publisher=Encyclopedia Britannica|access-date=2025-11-17}}</ref>
# Burial Practices - There is good evidence that Neanderthals intentionally buried their dead. National Geographic<ref>{{cite web|title=National Geographic|url=https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/article/131216-la-chapelle-neanderthal-burials-graves|publisher=National Geographic|access-date=2025-11-17}}</ref> - At some sites, burials show signs of deliberate pit digging, and the bodies are placed in non-random positions. National Geographic<ref>{{cite web|title=National Geographic|url=https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/article/131216-la-chapelle-neanderthal-burials-graves|publisher=National Geographic|access-date=2025-11-17}}</ref> - There is some suggestion of symbolic behavior in burials: for instance, at Shanidar in Iraq, pollen was found in graves (though interpretations are debated). opentextbooks.concordia.ca<ref>{{cite web|title=opentextbooks.concordia.ca|url=https://opentextbooks.concordia.ca/explorationsversiontwo/chapter/11/|publisher=opentextbooks.concordia.ca|access-date=2025-11-17}}</ref> - Grave goods or modified objects have sometimes been found near burials (e.g., stone tools, possible “resting stones” near skulls). National Geographic<ref>{{cite web|title=National Geographic|url=https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/burial-neanderthals-humans-territory|publisher=National Geographic|access-date=2025-11-17}}</ref>
# Symbolic Behavior / Ornamentation - Pigments (ochre, manganese) appear in many Neanderthal sites, which could indicate body-painting, symbolic marking, or technical uses (e.g., adhesive). opentextbooks.concordia.ca<ref>{{cite web|title=opentextbooks.concordia.ca|url=https://opentextbooks.concordia.ca/explorationsversiontwo/chapter/11/|publisher=opentextbooks.concordia.ca|access-date=2025-11-17}}</ref> - Some personal ornaments: Neanderthals used eagle talons, perhaps as jewelry, at multiple sites. Smithsonian Magazine<ref>{{cite web|title=Smithsonian Magazine|url=https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/eagle-talon-jewelry-suggests-neanderthals-were-capable-human-thought-180973451/|publisher=Smithsonian Magazine|access-date=2025-11-17}}</ref> - Caves: in Bruniquel Cave (France), Neanderthals built ring-like structures from stalagmites deep in the cave, suggesting planned construction and use of fire for lighting. Wikipedia<ref>{{cite web|title=Wikipedia|url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bruniquel_Cave|publisher=en.wikipedia.org|access-date=2025-11-17}}</ref> - Musical behavior: there is a disputed “flute” (a bone with holes) found in Divje Babe cave that might represent symbolic or musical instrument use. Wikipedia<ref>{{cite web|title=Wikipedia|url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Divje_Babe_flute|publisher=en.wikipedia.org|access-date=2025-11-17}}</ref>
# Social Structures and Care - Fossils show Neanderthals with serious injuries who survived for extended periods, implying that others cared for them. National Geographic<ref>{{cite web|title=National Geographic|url=https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/article/131216-la-chapelle-neanderthal-burials-graves|publisher=National Geographic|access-date=2025-11-17}}</ref> - The presence of deep social bonds is supported by burial practices and group living. Anthroholic<ref>{{cite web|title=Anthroholic|url=https://anthroholic.com/neanderthals-homo-neandertalensis|publisher=anthroholic.com|access-date=2025-11-17}}</ref> - Some evidence suggests cultural exchange with Homo sapiens: a recent study (Tinshemet Cave) argues for shared burial customs and symbolic use of ochre across species. Phys.org<ref>{{cite web|title=Phys.org|url=https://phys.org/news/2025-03-burials-compelling-evidence-neanderthal-homo.pdf|publisher=phys.org|access-date=2025-11-17}}</ref>
# Cognitive Capacity - Because of their tool complexity, use of adhesives, and spatial planning, Neanderthals likely had fairly high working memory, planning capabilities, and executive function. arXiv<ref>{{cite web|title=arXiv|url=https://arxiv.org/abs/2305.09751|publisher=arxiv.org|access-date=2025-11-17}}</ref> - Their ability to use pigments, ornaments, and possibly symbolic items suggests some capacity for symbolic thought, though it’s less “rich” than that of later Homo sapiens. opentextbooks.concordia.ca<ref>{{cite web|title=opentextbooks.concordia.ca|url=https://opentextbooks.concordia.ca/explorationsversiontwo/chapter/11/|publisher=opentextbooks.concordia.ca|access-date=2025-11-17}}</ref>