Sapeds

Sapeds is a fictional species appearing in the science fiction novel "The Neanderthal Parallax" by Robert J. Sawyer. In this novel, sapeds are depicted as intelligent, bipedal beings who are physiologically similar to humans but possess distinct differences in their brain structure and evolutionary history. They are native to a parallel Earth where, instead of Homo sapiens, a species closely related to Neanderthals evolved sentience and technological capability. The sapeds in the story are portrayed as having a more communal and less individualistic society than humans, with a strong emphasis on logic and scientific advancement. Their physical appearance is described as robust, with larger bone structures and different facial features compared to humans. The narrative explores the interactions and cultural exchanges between humans and sapeds, highlighting both their similarities and their profound divergences. The concept of sapeds serves as a thought experiment to examine humanity's place in the universe and the diverse paths evolution can take.