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5. The morphofunctional adaptations of the locomotor complex and locomotor behaviour of the classic neanderthals

The morphofunctional adaptations of the locomotor complex and locomotor behaviour of the classic neanderthals

Vlasenko A.N. (1), Drobyshevsky S.V. (2)

1) Moscow state academy of veterinary medicine and biotechnology named K.I. Skryabin, Moscow; 2) Lomonosov Moscow State University, Faculty of biology, Department of anthropology, Leninskie Gory, 1, p.12, Moscow, 119991, Russia

Vlasenko A.N., e-mail: dragprechvan@mail.ru; Drobyshevsky S.V., e-mail: dsv_anth@mail.ru

Abstract

The biomechanical characteristics of the locomotor complex of classic Neanderthals are studied. Comparison of details of the structure and form of Neandertal and modern human articular surfaces shows that the Neandertal has been adapted for sprinting with high initial speed. Such an adaptation could arise as a consequence of special hunting strategy with stalking closer to a prey and a fast throw on possibly shorter distance. Probably, an absence or rarity of the throwing weapon at Neandertals is connected with such strategy as established by archaeological data.

Keywords

Neanderthals, biomechanics, hunting strategy, locomotor complex

Цит.: Vlasenko A.N., Drobyshevsky S.V. The morphofunctional adaptations of the locomotor complex and locomotor behaviour of the classic neanderthals // Moscow University Anthropology Bulletin (Vestnik Moskovskogo Universiteta. Seria XXIII. Antropologia), 2010; 4/2010; с. 50-56