Cro Magnon Man example essay topic
A number of caverns in the Dordogne valley, Spain, Germany, and central Europe. Cro-magnon man was anatomically identical to modern humans, but differed significantly from Neandertals who disappeared in the fossil about 10,000 years after the appearance of Aurignacian and other paleothic populations. The abrupt disappearance of neanderthal populations and the assoicated mousterian technologies, the sudden appearance of modern Homo sapiens and the associated upper paleolithic technologies, and the absence of transitional anatomical or technological forms have led most researchers to conclude that Neanderthals were driven to extinction through competition with cro magnons or related populations. The Homo sapiens were present during the end of the Ice Age, and were very adapted to living in this cold environment. They were short in stature averaging about 5'5" and had short arms and legs. This body shape helped to conserve heat.
They also had an amazing projection in their nasal cavity thought to have provided more surface area for mucus to warm the cold frigid air before entering their bodies. Their brain was larger than modern humans, but it was longer and not as rounded. The Upper Paleolithic Period In the Upper Paleolithic period Neanderthal man disappears and is replaced by a variety of Homo sapiens such as Cro-Magnons. This, saw an astonishing number of human cultures, such as the Aurignacian, Gravettian, Perigordian, Solutrean, and Magdalenian, rise and develop in the Old World. The beginnings of communal hunting and extensive fishing are found here, as is the shelters, were built, sewn clothing was worn, and sculpture and painting originated. Tools were of great variety, including flint and obsidian blades and projectile points.
It is probable that the people of the Aurignacian culture migrated to Europe after developing their distinctive culture elsewhere, perhaps in Asia. Their stone tools are finely worked, and they made a typical figure eight-shaped blade. They also used bone, horn, and ivory and made necklaces and other personal ornaments. They carved the so-called Venus figures, ritual statuettes of bone, and made outline drawings on cave walls.