Final answer:
Neanderthals had a broad nasal opening to warm and humidify cold, dry air, supporting survival in Ice Age climates. Their large nasal cavity was one of several adaptational features aiding their robust lifestyle. While their cranial capacity suggests a large brain, the extent of their cognitive abilities is still being studied.
Step-by-step explanation:
Neanderthals, members of the genus Homo who lived between 30,000 and 200,000 years ago, had distinct anatomical features, including a broad nasal opening. The purpose of this feature is believed to have been adaptational, related to their living conditions. A large nasal cavity with a broad opening would have helped warm and humidify cold, dry air before it reached the lungs, which was essential for their survival in the harsh climates they inhabited.
Their robust physical attributes, including the broad nasal opening, were well-suited to their environment, and these characteristics provided physiological benefits that helped Neanderthals thrive in Ice Age Europe. While their cranial capacity was larger on average than that of modern humans, which indicates a large brain size, the full extent of their capabilities, such as language production, remains a topic of research and debate.