On Humans The Neanderthal Mirror: Latest Findings About the Lines Between Us ~ David Gokhman
Nov 27, 2025
In this engaging discussion, David Gokhman, a researcher at the Weizmann Institute of Science, sheds light on the fascinating world of ancient DNA and its revelations about Neanderthals. He explores the remarkable differences in brain structure and function between archaic humans and modern ones, particularly highlighting unexpected roles of the cerebellum. Gokhman also discusses the genetic impact of interbreeding, showcasing how these interactions shaped our species and hint at the complexities of language evolution.
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Neanderthals Were Highly Successful
- Neanderthals were long-running, successful humans adapted to cold climates and not simple "stupid cavemen."
- David Gokhman stresses their robustness, wide range, and half-million-year persistence compared with our shorter tenure.
Brain Shape Offers Speculative Clues
- Endocasts show Neanderthals had larger occipital lobes, hinting at stronger visual processing.
- Gokhman treats such brain-shape differences as speculative clues about cognitive strengths rather than definitive functions.
Cerebellum Divergence Is Intriguing
- The cerebellum is the most morphologically divergent region between archaic and modern humans.
- Gokhman notes the cerebellum's roles extend beyond motor control into language and rhythm, making its divergence intriguing but hard to interpret.