Neanderthal nose meant to humidify cold, dry air

Paris, April 4: Neanderthals had large, protruding noses to warm and humidify cold, dry air, a study into the distinct design of our extinct European cousin’s face suggested Wednesday.

Using 3- D models of the skulls of Neanderthals, modern humans, and Homo heidelbergensis — considered to have been the common ancestor of both

— an international research team found very different breathing adaptations.

Computerised

“fluid dynamics” revealed that the shape of Neanderthal and human faces “condition air more efficiently” than H. Heidelbergensis, suggesting that “both evolved to better withstand cold and/ or dry climates,” the researchers wrote in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B.

Neanderthals could also move “considerably more” air through their nasal cavity than could H. Heidelbergensis or modern humans — possibly in response to higher energy requirements for their stocky bodies and hunting lifestyle.

Neanderthals were thought to have required as much as 4,480 calories per day to keep them alive in the European winter.

A high- calorie intake requires more oxygen to burn the sugars, fats and proteins in our cells to produce energy.

Scientists have long debated over the reason for the Neanderthal's face shape.

One theory was they were built to exert more bite force.

But Wednesday’s study said this was not the case. Computer simulations showed that Neanderthals “were not particularly strong biters”.

But “where the Neanderthal really excelled is in its ability to move large volumes of air through its nasal passage, indicating a very highenergy lifestyle.”