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Neanderthal Fossils Hint at Advanced Abstract Thinking

By aimee yang
Neanderthal Fossils Hint at Advanced Abstract Thinking

A new study of fossils found in a cave in Spain shows that Neanderthals could think in a special way. This thinking happened before they met Homo sapiens.

Researchers found 15 small marine fossils in the Prado Vargas Cave in Burgos. Most of these fossils did not have much use for food or tools.

This means Neanderthals might have collected these fossils for fun or to keep as special items. This ability to collect shows that they could think about things beyond what they needed right away, a sign of abstract thought.

The researchers say that these fossils could have been used for many reasons. They might have been pretty, used for trading, or even meant for gifts. They could have also been toys for children, as there is proof that kids lived in the cave.

It is important to know that no early humans were in this area at the same time. This shows that Neanderthals collected items all by themselves.

The study was published in Quaternary.

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Vocabulary List:
6 words · tap to reveal
ON

Accent

Neanderthals/niˈændərˌθɔlz/noun
A group of extinct hominids that lived in Europe and parts of Asia.

Fossils/ˈfɒs.əlz/noun
Remains or impressions of prehistoric organisms preserved in rock.

Abstract/ˈæbstrækt/adjective
Existing in thought or as an idea but not having a physical or concrete existence.

Researchers/rɪˈsɜːr.tʃərz/noun
People who carry out academic or scientific investigations.

Special/ˈspeʃ.əl/adjective
Better greater or otherwise different from what is usual.

Collected/kəˈlek.tɪd/verb
Gathered or amassed items typically for a specific purpose.
Vocabulary Learning

How much do you know?

Where were the fossils found that showed Neanderthals could think in a special way?
A) Burgos
B) Madrid
C) Seville
D) Valencia
How many small marine fossils were found in the Prado Vargas Cave?
A) 5
B) 10
C) 15
D) 20
What is suggested by the ability of Neanderthals to collect marine fossils according to the researchers?
A) They were preparing tools
B) They collected for food
C) They engaged in abstract thought
D) They were learning new skills
What could the marine fossils collected by Neanderthals have been used for, according to the researchers?
A) Trading
B) Eating
C) Carpentry
D) Displaying
Were there early humans present in the area where Neanderthals collected the marine fossils at the same time?
A) Yes
B) No
In which journal was the study on Neanderthal fossils published?
A) Nature
B) Quaternary
C) Science
D) Archaeology
Neanderthals could think in a special way before meeting Homo sapiens.
The marine fossils found were mainly useful for food purposes.
Researchers suggested that Neanderthals might have collected the fossils for fun or as special items.
The marine fossils could have been used as toys for children in the cave.
The absence of early humans in the area indicates Neanderthals collected items independently.
The study was published in the journal Nature.
The researchers found 15 small marine fossils in the Prado Vargas Cave in .
The ability of Neanderthals to collect marine fossils indicates their capacity for thought.
The marine fossils could have been used for many reasons, including trading, displaying, or even as gifts for .
No early humans were present in the same area at the time, showing that Neanderthals collected items .
The study on Neanderthal fossils was published in the journal .
This question is required
aimee yang
aimee yanghttps://esl-news.com

Test Your Understanding

Start Quiz
Vocabulary List:
6 words · tap to reveal
ON
Accent
Neanderthals/niˈændərˌθɔlz/noun
A group of extinct hominids that lived in Europe and parts of Asia.
Fossils/ˈfɒs.əlz/noun
Remains or impressions of prehistoric organisms preserved in rock.
Abstract/ˈæbstrækt/adjective
Existing in thought or as an idea but not having a physical or concrete existence.
Researchers/rɪˈsɜːr.tʃərz/noun
People who carry out academic or scientific investigations.
Special/ˈspeʃ.əl/adjective
Better greater or otherwise different from what is usual.
Collected/kəˈlek.tɪd/verb
Gathered or amassed items typically for a specific purpose.
Vocabulary Learning

How much do you know?

Where were the fossils found that showed Neanderthals could think in a special way?
A) Burgos
B) Madrid
C) Seville
D) Valencia
How many small marine fossils were found in the Prado Vargas Cave?
A) 5
B) 10
C) 15
D) 20
What is suggested by the ability of Neanderthals to collect marine fossils according to the researchers?
A) They were preparing tools
B) They collected for food
C) They engaged in abstract thought
D) They were learning new skills
What could the marine fossils collected by Neanderthals have been used for, according to the researchers?
A) Trading
B) Eating
C) Carpentry
D) Displaying
Were there early humans present in the area where Neanderthals collected the marine fossils at the same time?
A) Yes
B) No
In which journal was the study on Neanderthal fossils published?
A) Nature
B) Quaternary
C) Science
D) Archaeology
Neanderthals could think in a special way before meeting Homo sapiens.
The marine fossils found were mainly useful for food purposes.
Researchers suggested that Neanderthals might have collected the fossils for fun or as special items.
The marine fossils could have been used as toys for children in the cave.
The absence of early humans in the area indicates Neanderthals collected items independently.
The study was published in the journal Nature.
The researchers found 15 small marine fossils in the Prado Vargas Cave in .
The ability of Neanderthals to collect marine fossils indicates their capacity for thought.
The marine fossils could have been used for many reasons, including trading, displaying, or even as gifts for .
No early humans were present in the same area at the time, showing that Neanderthals collected items .
The study on Neanderthal fossils was published in the journal .
This question is required

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