Back in the 19th century, when evolution was becoming established, it was easy to assume that fossil meant “primitive”. Such a notion continued, and it implied that human complex behaviors were considered hallmarks of modernity and, therefore, exclusive to Anatomically Modern Humans (AMH). However, in recent decades archaeology has demonstrated that, both cognitively and behaviorally, Neanderthals were no different from their contemporary African populations from which our ancestry mostly derives. Additionally, there have been an increasing number of examples where a single skeleton displays a combination of Neanderthal and AMH morphological characteristics. Recent genetic studies have also confirmed these ideas of interbreeding, showing that most current western world populations carry Neanderthal genes. This genetic work has enhanced the growing body of evidence displaying Neanderthal complexity, like their use of personal ornamentation, their probable artistic representations in some Spanish caves, or their adaptability to different resources and environments.

Zooarchaeological investigation is seen as key in detecting Neanderthal complex behaviors, and can advance our understanding in one of the most debated issues in Paleolithic Archaeology. The traditional idea of Neanderthals avoiding the coast and their marine resources, or their disregard for small size prey (like birds, rabbits or tortoises), has been put into question. Multiple archaeological sites have shown evidence of intentionally broad diets in Neanderthals; marked by the inclusion of a wide range of animals, from very large to small game, and the consumption of aquatic resources.

Zooarchaeology has been pivotal in providing evidence to disprove long-standing notions of Neanderthal inability to, not only adapt to changing environments, but also their inability to procure, process, store and preserve faunal resources, and even use these faunal resources as raw materials for tool production and ornamentation.

The goal of this Research Topic is two-fold: (1) to present new evidence that challenges the traditionally accepted models in which Neanderthals are seen as limited in their faunal resource use; (2) to design new models in which ecological adaptability and faunal resource use trends can demonstrate Neanderthal’s malleable and complex behaviors.

The scope of this collection will comprehensively compile the current developments and recent advancements in the field of zooarchaeology from Neanderthal contexts. We welcome original research, systematic review, methods, review, hypothesis & theory article types, as well as mini reviews, perspectives, case reports, and brief research reports.

Areas to be covered in this Research Topic may include, but are not limited to:

• Large and small prey use by Neanderthals (e.g. food, raw materials, ornamentation)
• Neanderthal provisioning strategies of faunal resources
• Neanderthal processing activities of faunal resources
• Neanderthal preservation and storing of faunal resources
• Neo-taphonomic experimentations with faunal specimens

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Frontiers in Environmental Archaeology

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