Biological and Hominin Evolution Quiz

Biological Evolution

• Physical Transformation: Changes and variations in the genetics and inherited traits of biological populations over generations.
• Charles Darwin: English naturalist and geologist who proposed evolution as an explanation for the origins of modern humans.
• Natural Selection: Process affecting the frequency of traits within an environment; traits that enhance survival and reproduction become more common.

Hominin Evolution

• Sahelanthropus tchadensis (6-7 million years ago): Ape-like and human-like features, similar height to chimpanzees, small brain, walked upright.
• Ardipithecus (4-5 million years ago): Ape-like skull, small brain, walked upright, lived in jungles and forests.
• Australopithecus (5-1 million years ago):
  • Gracile australopithecines: Small teeth and jaws, examples include Australopithecus anamensis, afarensis, and africanus.
  • Robust australopithecines: Large teeth and jaws, muscular build, examples include Australopithecus aethiopicus, robustus, and boisei.
• Lucy (3.2 million years old): Australopithecus afarensis fossil, significant early human ancestor.
• Homo Habilis ("Handy Man"): Direct ancestor of modern humans, known for toolmaking abilities.
  • Height: 3-4 feet
  • Brain: Half the size of a modern human brain
  • Oldowan tools: Used for cutting and made from volcanic stones.
• Homo Ergaster ("Homo Erectus came from"): Existed 1.8 million years ago, a predecessor to Homo Erectus.
• Homo Erectus ("Upright Man & Skillful Hunters"): Lived from 1.8 million to 300,000 years ago, more intelligent and adaptable than Homo Habilis.
  • Brain: About 2/3 the size of a modern human brain
  • Height: About 5 feet
  • Tools: Complex tools for digging, cutting, scraping, and hand axes for slicing, chopping, and digging.
• Homo Sapiens ("Wise Man & Modern Humans"): Sophisticated tools, advanced shelters, and technology.
  • Brain: Almost the size of a modern human brain
  • Activities: Used fire, crafted metals, gathered and cooked shellfish, hunted, and gathered food.

Cultural Evolution

• Human adaptation: Humans modify their culture over time in response to environmental threats and challenges.
• Sociopolitical Evolution: Transformation of societies and political systems due to cultural evolution: development of new economic systems, knowledge acquisition, and technology application.
• Gerhard Lenski (1924-2015): American sociologist who argued for a process of social evolution driven by technological advancement.

Societies

• Hunting & Gathering Societies: Early human societies reliant on hunting and foraging for food.
• Horticultural & Pastoral Societies: Societies that cultivate plants or raise livestock for food, leading to more settled lifestyles and population growth.
• Agricultural Societies (Neolithic): Societies characterized by advanced agriculture, including irrigation and plows, leading to further population growth, specialization, and complex social structures.
• Industrial Societies: Societies that rely on mechanical and technological production for economic growth and increasing specialization.
• Post-Industrial Societies: Societies characterized by information technology, knowledge-based industries, and a focus on services rather than manufacturing.

Political Evolution

• Transformation of political systems: Political structures evolve in response to cultural and technological developments.