Final answer:
Neandertal sites, particularly the Shanidar Cave, have provided evidence that supports the practice of ritual burial of the dead by Neanderthals, making the statement true.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that Neandertal sites show the first ritual burial of the dead is generally considered to be true. Numerous archeological studies have provided evidence for intentional burials by Neanderthals. One of the most compelling examples is the Shanidar Cave in Iraq, where the Shanidar 4 flower burial site was discovered. Here, an individual was laid in a flexed position and surrounded by pollen, potentially indicating the placement of flowers alongside the dead, which is evidence of ritualistic practice.
Furthermore, burials of Neanderthals often involved the careful placement of bodies in shallow pits, and some sites exhibited particularly ornate features such as ivory spears, red ochre, and beads. Though there is some debate about whether all elements, like the presence of pollen, are conclusive proof of ritualistic behavior, the consensus leans towards the affirmative. Neanderthals demonstrated a degree of respect for their dead that suggests ritual and intentional burial practices.