What evidence is there for Neanderthal's capacity for modern speech?

The discovery of the human speech production gene FOXP2 is crucial in establishing the capacity for modern speech in Neanderthals. This gene is associated with the development of neural circuits involved in speech and language capabilities. Studies have shown that Neanderthals possessed a version of the FOXP2 gene that is very similar to that found in modern humans, indicating they may have had a similar physiological capacity to produce complex speech.

The genetic evidence suggests that Neanderthals potentially had the anatomical features necessary for spoken language, such as the control of the vocal tract and articulation required for speech. This connection between the FOXP2 gene and the ability to use language provides strong support for the idea that Neanderthals were likely capable of some form of speech, contributing to their social interactions and cultural expressions.

While the other options propose interesting aspects related to communication or culture—such as ancient texts, sign language, or musical instruments—they do not provide direct evidence of the biological capacity for modern speech in the same way that the FOXP2 gene does. Therefore, the gene's discovery is particularly significant in understanding the cognitive abilities related to language use among Neanderthals.