Homo neanderthalensis are known to have lived in which regions?

Homo neanderthalensis, commonly known as Neanderthals, are primarily recognized for their presence in Europe and parts of western Asia. Archaeological and fossil evidence indicates that they inhabited a range of environments across these regions during the Pleistocene epoch, adapting to diverse climatic conditions from icy tundra to more temperate zones. Their remains have been found in many significant sites, including those in present-day Germany, France, and the Middle East, showcasing their extensive range and adaptability.

The understanding of their distribution is substantiated by the discovery of tools, art, and evidence of social structures in these areas, pinpointing Europe and Asia as their main habitats during their existence. In contrast, the other regions mentioned in the other options—such as North America, Africa, Australia, South America, Antarctica, and the Arctic—did not have known populations of Neanderthals based on current scientific evidence. This makes the correct answer specifically applicable to the areas where Neanderthals thrived and left their mark on human history.