[SunkenCiv]

Those tough Neandertal women — what about their hip widths? (this in regard to the childbirth question)

[elli1]

Those tough Neandertal women — what about their hip widths? (this in regard to the childbirth question)

I've long wondered about just this as being a significant (possible) factor in the demise/ extinction of Neanderthals.

[GoLightly]

Those tough Neandertal women — what about their hip widths? (this in regard to the childbirth question)

There's a real balancing act between mother & baby. Human pelvic bones are jointed & move to create more room to give birth. Babies skulls also have joints, so the skull can be compressed to allow delivery.

While the question about hip width is important, it's not the only factor to be considered. Are pelvic joints different, the same? Are skull joints the same or different? Bone density?