What species inhabited much of Europe and the Mediterranean around 200,000-28,000 years ago?

The correct choice is Neanderthals, as this species thrived in Europe and parts of the Mediterranean from around 200,000 to 28,000 years ago. Neanderthals are known for their robust build and adaptations to cold climates, and they occupied a range of environments across Europe, showcasing a complex existence that included tool usage, burial practices, and possibly forms of symbolic behavior.

During their time on the planet, Neanderthals demonstrated both cultural and physiological characteristics that were distinct from other hominin species. They coexisted with early Homo sapiens for a period and are often studied to understand human evolution. Their presence in the fossil record provides critical insights into human ancestry and migration patterns during the Pleistocene epoch.

In contrast, the other options refer to species that either existed at different times or in different regions, making them less relevant to the specified timeframe and geography. Java Man, for instance, is a type of Homo erectus found in Asia, while Homo habilis is an earlier hominin species that lived in Africa before the rise of Neanderthals. Homo sapiens, although they eventually spread through Europe, emerged later in the context of this question. Thus, the distinguishable features and timeline of