Final answer:
Paleontologists have points of disagreement regarding the status of Homo neanderthalensis. They debate whether Neanderthals are a separate species or a subspecies of Homo sapiens, the extent of their cognitive abilities, and the degree of interbreeding with modern humans.
Step-by-step explanation:
There are several points of disagreement among paleontologists regarding the status of Homo neanderthalensis. One point of disagreement is whether Neanderthals should be classified as a separate species or a subspecies of Homo sapiens. Some paleontologists argue that Neanderthals should be considered a distinct species due to anatomical differences, while others believe they should be classified as a subspecies based on genetic evidence.
Another point of disagreement is the extent of cognitive abilities possessed by Neanderthals. Some scientists argue that Neanderthals had similar cognitive abilities to modern humans, while others believe they had more limited cognitive capabilities.
Furthermore, there is disagreement about the extent of interbreeding between Neanderthals and modern humans. Genetic studies have shown that modern humans of non-African ancestry have some Neanderthal DNA, suggesting interbreeding. However, the degree to which interbreeding occurred and its impact on the genetic makeup of modern humans is still a topic of debate.