Neanderthals were robust hominins with a prominent brow ridge, wide nasal passages, and a stocky build suited for cold climates. They lived in Europe and parts of Asia, using tools, fire, and possibly language. Known for their complex social behavior, they hunted large animals and crafted sophisticated stone tools.

Homo sapiens neanderthalensis, commonly known as Neanderthals, were primarily native to Europe and parts of Western Asia. Their range extended from the western parts of Europe, such as the Iberian Peninsula, to Central Asia, including regions in modern-day Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. They were notably concentrated in areas such as France, Germany, and the Middle East, particularly the Levant region.

Neanderthals lived during the Pleistocene epoch, which was characterized by fluctuating climatic conditions, including glacial and interglacial periods. Their habitats were varied, often including cold and temperate forested regions, as well as steppe-tundra environments. These environments were rich in megafauna, which were crucial to Neanderthal subsistence.

Neanderthals were well-adapted to cold climates, with physiological traits such as a stocky build and a large nasal cavity that may have helped conserve heat. Their ecological niche included being proficient hunters of large mammals, such as mammoths and woolly rhinoceroses, and gatherers of plant resources. They also inhabited caves and rock shelters, which provided protection from harsh weather conditions.