Neanderthals grew like us, according to reports in ScienceNOW 22 November 2006 and Nature doi:10.1038/nature05314. In 2004 researchers who studied enamel layers on Neanderthal front teeth suggested that Neanderthals grew up faster than living humans. This would have helped them survive in harsh conditions, but provided less time for brain development. However, the following year another group of researchers claimed that the Neanderthal growth pattern was within the normal human range. A team of British and French researchers have now studied the internal microscopic structure of Neanderthal molars to get a more accurate record of growth patterns. As teeth grow they build up a pattern of microscopic lines that indicate how far the teeth had developed at birth, and how fast the crown and root development occurred after birth until full maturity. The researchers summarized their findings as: “These data are the first on internal molar microstructure; they firmly place key Neanderthal life history variables within those known for modern humans.”
Editorial Comment: In spite of numerous claims that Neanderthals were a separate species, whenever a detailed study is carried out on any aspect of Neanderthal structure and/or function, the results fit within the present normal human range. The only real differences in Neanderthal bone structure, are best explained by degenerative changes resulting from a poor diet and living in harsh conditions. All of which are the opposite of evolution and fit the Biblical picture of Man migrating from Babel (Genesis 11) with a loss of technology compounded by a degenerating environment (Ref. man, anthropology, dentistry)
Evidence News 5 December 2006