A story in Phys.Org covers a report that suggests that Neanderthal body shapes were caused by their high meat intake. The story is at
Study reveals how diet shaped human evolutionThe Neanderthals had a bell shaped rib cage and a wider pelvis than modern humans. The story says that the researchers found that the high meat diet cause enlarged bladder and kidneys, so the body evolved to make room for them. At first glance this seems possible, but I have my doubts. The thing about it is that all previous hominids also had a body shape similar to that of the Neanderthals. In one book I read there is a comment that the modern body style was a complete change from all previous forms. This of course casts doubt on the possibility of the Neanderthals having evolved that shape to make room for their bladder and kidneys.
Bill Gill
