What is a Cro-Magnon man?

Indistinguishable descendants

Also in this week's column:

• Why are some people more attractive to mosquitos?
• Does eating fish improve brain function?
• How can objects in the same room be different temperatures?

What is a Cro-Magnon man?

Asked by Nikki Jackson of Mosman, NSW, Australia

Cro-Magnon humans are regarded as the earliest form of modern humans. We are their direct descendants. Cro-Magnons lived from about 40,000 to 10,000 years ago.

If you saw a Cro-Magnon walking down the street they would be almost indistinguishable from modern humans. The only differences would be:

• A slightly larger and more muscular body
• A somewhat larger skull and brain

If they wore a business suit and nice hair cut, a Cro-Magnon could possibly sell you a used car.

Stephen Juan, Ph.D. is an anthropologist at the University of Sydney. Email your Odd Body questions to [e-mail]