[PistolPaknMama]

So if the Neanderthal big-brain gene ensured our existence, how come the big-brain gene didn't ensure the Neanderthal existence? Scientific theories are *almost* as fickled as voters.

[Pharmboy]

That's a great point, PPM. One thing that they did NOT mention in this article is that because of increased bone and muscle mass (they were about 30% "thicker" than us) they needed more brain to coordinate those bigger muscles. This action resides in the cerebellum (the lower part of the back of the skull) and that's where most of the increased brain size comes from. So, they weren't deep thinkers, but merely needed (and had) a bigger switchboard.

That gene may have helped them get there physically, but would would not have helped them much competing on Jeopardy! (excpet on questions about roast duck and mango salsa).