How have shifts in the predominant theory of modern human origins impacted the interpretation of Neanderthal cognition and behavior over time? 

The predominant theory of modern human origins is based largely on Homo sapiens as being our own human species. There has been a shift in this predominant theory that we were descended from the Neanderthal- or Neanderthal were our direct ancestor. The shift in the theory of modern human origins indicate that Homo sapiens replace the Neanderthal and sees them as separate species from Homo Sapiens. According to this theory there is a huge impact in the interpretation of Neanderthal cognition and behavior over time. The theory explains why Neanderthals got extinct due to their many shortcomings as compared to modern Humans. On a cognitive level, the theory suggests that the Neanderthals may not have used their brains like modern humans. Their brains structure are different from modern human brains in having expanded parietal and cerebellar regions. It also suggests that Neanderthals may have had limited speech and language capabilities as compared to Homo sapiens. On a behavioral level, the theory suggests that Neanderthals lacked the adaptive behavior of modern humans of having complex social networks across time and space.