Final answer:
The Neanderthal (Homo neanderthalensis) was the first species of extinct hominin discovered in Europe. They evolved from Homo erectus, lived between roughly 400,000 and 30,000 years ago, and were known for their robust build and large brains.
Step-by-step explanation:
First Discovered Extinct Hominin in Europe
The first species of extinct hominin that was discovered in Europe is the Neanderthal, scientifically known as Homo neanderthalensis. The Neanderthals evolved from Homo erectus and lived in Europe and western Asia between roughly 400,000 and 30,000 years ago. Homo erectus was a pioneering species that migrated out of Africa but likely was not the first hominin discovered in Europe.
Neanderthals were well-adapted to their environment with a robust build and a larger brain volume than modern humans, which ranged from 1,450 to 1,650 cubic centimeters. They also used fire, made sophisticated tools, wore animal skins for warmth, and in some cases, buried their dead.