Final answer:
Neanderthals are often depicted as 'cold-adapted' due to their physical and cultural adaptations to the icy climates of ancient Europe and western Asia, creating refined tools and interbreeding with Homo sapiens sapiens.
Step-by-step explanation:
Neanderthals are often depicted as a cold-adapted species. This characterizes their physical evolution and cultural practices tailored to survive in the chilly climates of Europe and western Asia between 200,000 and 30,000 years ago. Additionally, despite stereotypes suggesting otherwise, Neanderthals were cognitively skilled, exhibiting creativity and material culture through the production of refined Mousterian tools and engaging in some form of social interaction, as depicted by their interbreeding with Homo sapiens sapiens. Emphasizing their resilience, Neanderthals were well-suited for their environment, featuring a stocky and barrel-chested physique which aided in enduring cold conditions, notably during the ice age that began around 100,000 years ago.