As an archaeologist, a colleague asks you to confirm her identification of some fossilized burial remains of a hominin. The fossils were discovered relatively undisturbed, deep in a cave where the body was protected from scavengers. The hands of the skeleton were deliberately folded across the chest and a crude flute was clasped between the hands. The skull had a greatly reduced brow ridge and a flat face. Charcoal remains near the entrance of the cave included charred bones of a large game animal that date to approximately the same time as the skeleton; the bones were clearly scored by a tool. As which species of hominin would you identify the remains?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The deliberate burial, the presence of a musical instrument, and the characteristics of the skull (greatly reduced brow ridge and a flat face) are indicative of Homo sapiens. These features suggest a level of symbolic thought and cultural development most closely associated with early modern humans.

As an Archaeologist, a Colleague Asks You to Confirm Her