What conclusion might be drawn about the author's overall perspective on Neanderthals?

What conclusion might be drawn about the author's overall perspective on Neanderthals?

• A. The author views them as primitive and uncomplicated
• B. The author sees them as lacking intelligence compared to modern humans
• C. The author believes they were capable of advanced behavior
• D. The author thinks they were irrelevant to human evolution

Answer: (C)

The conclusion that the author views Neanderthals as capable of advanced behavior is supported by evidence suggesting that they engaged in complex activities, displayed sophisticated tool use, and perhaps even demonstrated social and cultural behaviors similar to those of early modern humans. This perspective challenges earlier assumptions of Neanderthals being merely primitive beings. The author likely emphasizes findings that indicate Neanderthals participated in activities such as caring for their sick, engaging in burial rituals, or creating art, which are actions typically associated with advanced cognitive abilities and societal structures. This broader understanding encourages a more nuanced appreciation of Neanderthals and their contributions to the human evolutionary narrative.

The conclusion that the author views Neanderthals as capable of advanced behavior is supported by evidence suggesting that they engaged in complex activities, displayed sophisticated tool use, and perhaps even demonstrated social and cultural behaviors similar to those of early modern humans. This perspective challenges earlier assumptions of Neanderthals being merely primitive beings. The author likely emphasizes findings that indicate Neanderthals participated in activities such as caring for their sick, engaging in burial rituals, or creating art, which are actions typically associated with advanced cognitive abilities and societal structures. This broader understanding encourages a more nuanced appreciation of Neanderthals and their contributions to the human evolutionary narrative.