Final answer:
Neanderthal skulls featured large nasal cavities and an occipital bun, adaptations likely meant to heat air and retain warmth in cold climates. Their robust postcranial bones suggest strong muscles for hunting and survival in chilly environments. Genetic differences further imply adaptations to their harsh surroundings.
Step-by-step explanation:
Neanderthal skulls and postcranial bones were adapted to cold climates in various ways. Their skulls had large nasal cavities that warmed the cold air before it reached their lungs. The occipital bun at the back of the skull and large brow ridges were also part of their cold climate adaptations. These features could have helped in retaining heat. Neanderthal behavior, evidenced by their robust postcranial bones, indicates they had well-developed muscles suitable for the physical demands of their environment. A broad scapula and robust humerus indicate powerful rotator cuff muscles and arm rotation capabilities, suggesting activities like throwing projectiles and using spears, which would have been advantageous in hunting large, cold-climate fauna. Additionally, changes in genes such as RUNX2 are indicative of evolutionary adaptations in Neanderthals. These genetic differences affected their cranial structure, perhaps as a response to the climate conditions they faced. The adaptations of Neanderthals to their environment can be seen in their anatomy, capable of enduring and thriving in cold climates, and in their behaviors, with the sophisticated use of tools and hunting techniques to survive.