Which survival advantage did Homo sapiens have over Neanderthals?
(1 point)
• ability to make fire
• advanced language skills
• greater height and weight
• greater physical strength
ability to make fire
The survival advantage that Homo sapiens had over Neanderthals was the ability to make fire.
To determine which survival advantage Homo sapiens had over Neanderthals, we can analyze each option provided:
1. Ability to make fire: Homo sapiens had the ability to control fire, which provided warmth, protection from predators, and a way to cook food. Fire also provided light and helped in creating tools and weapons.
2. Advanced language skills: Homo sapiens likely had more developed language skills, enabling better communication and coordination. This would have allowed for the sharing of knowledge and more effective cooperation in hunting, gathering, and group defense.
3. Greater height and weight: There is evidence to suggest that Homo sapiens had, on average, greater height and weight compared to Neanderthals. This physical advantage could have aided in activities like hunting, foraging, and resource gathering.
4. Greater physical strength: Homo sapiens are believed to have had a more efficient body form, with a more biomechanically efficient skeletal structure. While Neanderthals were generally stronger, Homo sapiens' greater endurance and faster movement allowed for more efficient and effective hunting strategies.
Considering these options, it is important to note that all the listed factors likely played a role in the survival advantage Homo sapiens had over Neanderthals. However, among the given choices, the ability to make fire stands out as a unique advantage that significantly impacted the survival and success of Homo sapiens. Fire was a versatile tool that provided numerous benefits, such as warmth, protection, cooking, and extended activity hours.