The fossil man from Salzgitter-Lebenstedt (FRG) and its place in human evolution during the Pleistocene in Europe

Abstract

The fossil human remains from Salzgitter-Lebenstedt show derived features which lead to include them in the Neandertals. This specimen is, at the moment, their northernmost certain re presentative. However, some occipital bones from the Riss of Europe already exhibit a very derived morphology, so that the anatomy of this fossil does not allow an easy solution of the problem of da ting the Salzgitter-Lebenstedt site. From within the ,,Mindel-Riss complex until the appearance of modern man in Europe, all known rear skulls exhibit a typical neandertal or preneandertal morpho logy, so that it is impossible to recognize any European presapiens independent lineage.