What is the implication of classifying neandertals as Homo Sapiens Neanderthalensis as opposed to .....?

Question

Homoneanderthalensis?

Which do you guys prefer??

Answer 1

I agree with the current trend of classifying H. neanderthalensis and H. sapiens as seperate species. This emphasizes the complete replacement of these archaic hominins, and it takes into account the differences in morphology which are significantly different.

It seems that these days splitters have become more prominent thanks to DNA tests. Along these lines, it is very reasonable to separate these very different populations.

Answer 2

we dont know much about them, but i would consider them the same species because we could probably have had fertile children with them..

Tha_'s answer tells me that we could have fertile offspring with them.. usually that means we are the same species

Answer 3

I would like to see them as a different species, or at least subspecies. They seem to me to be more like the arcaic homo species.

Answer 4

dont listen to Thrusdays answer, we know TONS about neanderthals.  and yes they are differnet species, the mDNA suggests that Homo sapiens sapiens (us) and homo neanderthalensis split along the evolutionary lines about 300 thousand years ago.  they are still Homos (stop giggling) but are definetley different species.  although there is a fossil in france of a little boy with dual morphology suggesting that some interbreeding might have happened.  

ill tell you what if you figure it out let me know and we can make a cool million!!!

Answer 5

Homo sapiens Neandertalensis implies it is the same species as modern humans.  The evidence is that they didn't contribute much if anything to our genome.  I prefer the definition of species as being those that normally reproduce and not just have the capability to reproduce.  I prefer Homo neanderthalensis and suspect they were different species.

Answer 6

Because you would ignore the valley where the first remains were discovered.