Data from: Computer simulations show that Neanderthal facial morphology represents adaptation to cold and high energy demands, but not heavy biting

Three adaptive hypotheses have been forwarded to explain the distinctive
Neanderthal face: 1) an improved ability to accommodate high anterior bite
forces, 2) more effective conditioning of cold and/or dry air, and, 3)
adaptation to facilitate greater ventilatory demands. We test these
hypotheses using three-dimensional models of Neanderthals, modern humans,
and a close outgroup (H. heidelbergensis), applying finite element
analysis (FEA) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD). This is the most
comprehensive application of either approach applied to date and the first
to include both. FEA reveals few differences between H. heidelbergensis,
modern humans and Neanderthals in their capacities to sustain high
anterior tooth loadings. CFD shows that the nasal cavities of Neanderthals
and especially modern humans condition air more efficiently than does that
of H. heidelbergensis, suggesting that both evolved to better withstand
cold and/or dry climates than less derived Homo. We further find that
Neanderthals could move considerably more air through the nasal pathway
than could H. heidelbergensis or modern humans, consistent with the
propositions that, relative to our outgroup Homo, Neanderthal facial
morphology evolved to reflect improved capacities to better condition
cold, dry air, and, to move greater air volumes in response to higher
energetic requirements.