A Middle Palaeolithic human hyoid bone

摘要: The origin of human language, and in particular the question whether or not Neanderthal man was capable language/speech, is major interest to anthropologists but remains an area great controversy. Despite palaeoneurological evidence contrary, many researchers hold view that Neanderthals were incapable basing their arguments largely on studies laryngeal/basicranial morphology. Studies, however, have been hampered by absence unambiguous fossil evidence. We now report discovery a well-preserved hyoid bone from Middle Palaeolithic layers Kebara Cave, Mount Carmel, Israel, dating about 60,000 years BP. almost identical size shape present-day populations, suggesting there has little no change visceral skeleton (including hyoid, middle ear ossicles, inferentially larynx) during past evolution. conclude morphological basis for speech capability appears fully developed Palaeolithic.