The distinctive features of our species can be seen in the skull at far right, also an example of Cro-Magnon man, constrasted with a typical Neanderthal skull to its immediate left. Modern humans are typically much less robust in body form and skeleton than Neanderthals. Modern human females are only slightly smaller on average than males, but sexual dimorphism appears in many subtle ways. These early Europeans were able to adapt to the severe conditions of the ice age and compete with the largest carnivores for the most formidable prey animals of Eurasia. With the aid of their advanced cultural and technological resources, they were able to specialize and adapt to severe local conditions.
Homo sapiens sapiens sites present overwhelming evidence of pervasive cultural practices.
The multiple burial from central Europe on the near right is 26,000 years old. The individual in the center of the burial had spinal scoliosis, an asymmetrical skull, and an under-developed right leg. The male skulls were adorned with circles of arctic fox and wolf teeth and ivory bands. The painting at far right reconstructs the burial of a mammoth hunter found at Predmosti in central Europe. Red ochre is being scattered over the grave, which will be covered with a mammoth's shoulder blade and tusks.