Study Finds Neanderthals Shared Childbirth Mechanics but Had Distinct Gaits From Modern Humans in 2 Pelvises
Updated
Updated · Popular Archaeology · Aug 17
Study Finds Neanderthals Shared Childbirth Mechanics but Had Distinct Gaits From Modern Humans in 2 Pelvises
3 articles · Updated · Popular Archaeology · Aug 17
Summary
Two virtual reconstructions—of a young adult female from Spain and a 1.5-year-old infant from Syria—showed Neanderthals and modern humans differed in overall pelvis shape from early life.
Morphometric comparisons found pelvic regions tied to childbirth were broadly similar in both species, pointing to comparable birth mechanics rather than a uniquely Neanderthal solution.
Locomotion-linked features diverged, including hip joint orientation and muscle leverage geometry, suggesting Neanderthals and modern humans stood and walked differently.
The PNAS study argues pelvis evolution was likely shaped more by balancing childbirth with pelvic floor stability than by the classic trade-off between childbirth and bipedalism.