Meaning: 'Resulted' means to occur as a consequence or outcome of something, indicating that the new understanding of Neanderthals came from the studies.

Wrong options:

• revealed: 'Revealed' suggests uncovering something that was hidden, but it does not imply a process or outcome as 'resulted' does, making it less suitable in this context.
• concluded: 'Concluded' implies reaching a final decision or judgment, which does not accurately reflect the ongoing nature of the studies' findings, thus it does not fit the context.
• happened: 'Happened' is too vague and does not convey the specific outcome or consequence of the studies, making it less precise than 'resulted'.

Correct answer: occupied

Explanation: The word 'occupied' is the correct choice as it refers to the Neanderthals living in Europe during the specified time period. It fits grammatically in the past tense and contextually describes their presence in that region.

Meaning: 'Occupied' means to have lived in or taken up space in a particular area, indicating that Neanderthals were residents of Europe.

Wrong options:

• resided: 'Resided' is a synonym for living in a place, but it is less commonly used in this context compared to 'occupied', which is more direct and fitting for the sentence structure.
• filled: 'Filled' implies a physical presence but does not accurately convey the idea of living or inhabiting a space, making it contextually inappropriate.
• dwelt: 'Dwelt' is an archaic term for living, which may not resonate with modern usage, thus making it less suitable than 'occupied'.

Correct answer: assumed

Explanation: The word 'assumed' fits well as it indicates a belief or conclusion drawn without proof, which aligns with the context of previous misconceptions about Neanderthals. It maintains grammatical consistency in the past tense.

Meaning: 'Assumed' means to take something for granted or to believe something without verification, indicating that researchers had previously held incorrect beliefs about Neanderthal sounds.

Wrong options:

• judged: 'Judged' implies a more evaluative stance rather than a belief based on assumption, making it less fitting in this context.
• considered: 'Considered' suggests careful thought, which does not align with the idea of a mistaken belief, thus it is not as appropriate as 'assumed'.
• taken: 'Taken' is incomplete in this context and does not convey the intended meaning of belief or assumption, making it unsuitable.

Correct answer: coincides

Explanation: The word 'coincides' is appropriate as it indicates that Mithen's work aligns or corresponds with the study of the Neanderthal skeleton. It fits grammatically and contextually, suggesting a relationship between the two studies.

Meaning: 'Coincides' means to occur at the same time or to correspond in nature, indicating that Mithen's findings are in agreement with the skeleton study.

Wrong options:

• occurs: 'Occurs' is too vague and does not convey the idea of alignment or correspondence, making it less precise than 'coincides'.
• relates: 'Relates' suggests a connection but lacks the specificity of alignment that 'coincides' provides, thus it is not as fitting.
• co-operates: 'Co-operates' implies working together, which does not accurately reflect the relationship between the studies, making it unsuitable.

Correct answer: differed

Explanation: The word 'differed' is the correct choice as it indicates that the Neanderthal creature was not the same as humans. It fits grammatically in the past tense and logically conveys the contrast being made.

Meaning: 'Differed' means to be unlike or distinct from something else, indicating that Neanderthals had notable differences from humans.

Wrong options:

• distinguished: 'Distinguished' implies recognition of differences but does not convey the idea of being different itself, making it less suitable in this context.
• compared: 'Compared' suggests a process of evaluation rather than stating a fact about differences, thus it does not fit the sentence structure.
• contrasted: 'Contrasted' implies a comparison highlighting differences but is more complex than necessary for this context, making 'differed' a clearer choice.

Correct answer: build

Explanation: The word 'build' is appropriate as it refers to the physical structure or form of the Neanderthal creature. It fits grammatically and contextually, indicating a characteristic of their anatomy.

Meaning: 'Build' refers to the physical structure or body shape of an organism, indicating that Neanderthals had a specific body type.

Wrong options:

• assembly: 'Assembly' refers to the act of putting together parts, which does not fit the context of describing a physical characteristic, making it unsuitable.
• formation: 'Formation' suggests a process of coming together rather than a physical attribute, thus it is less fitting than 'build'.
• scheme: 'Scheme' implies a plan or arrangement, which does not relate to physical characteristics, making it inappropriate in this context.