Biological Evolution of Man

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Questions and Answers

What is the main distinguishing feature of Homo habilis compared to Australopithecus?

  • Absence of tool use
  • Smaller molar teeth and larger brains (correct)
  • Larger body size
  • Larger molar teeth

Who discovered the fossils of Homo erectus and what was the name initially given to this species?

  • Johann Carl Friedrich; Homo sapiens neanderthalensis
  • Richard Leakey; Homo erectus
  • Louis Leakey; Australopithecus habilis
  • Eugene Dubois; Pithecanthropus erectus (correct)

What evidence suggests that Homo erectus practiced cooperative hunting?

  • Usage of fire
  • Construction of dwellings
  • Bone tools and wooden spears (correct)
  • Discovery of art

Which species is considered a direct evolutionary descendant of Homo erectus?

<p>Homo sapiens neanderthalensis (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the notable features of Cro-Magnon, the early Homo sapiens?

<p>Hunter-gatherer lifestyle and cave art (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which biological anthropologist is known for contributions to our understanding of human evolution?

<p>Richard Leakey (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of Palaeontology within biological anthropology?

<p>The investigation of fossil evidence for human evolution (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which stage in the evolutionary history of humans is associated with the emergence of Homo sapiens?

<p>Hominids (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The term 'Homo' originates from which language?

<p>Latin (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which sub-discipline of biological anthropology focuses on the human skeletal system?

<p>Human Osteology (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does neuroanthropology primarily study?

<p>The evolution of the human brain (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about human evolution is correct?

<p>Human evolution involves simple organisms becoming more complex over time. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who first used the term 'Homo' in the classification of humans?

<p>Carolus Linnaeus (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Lamarck's theory primarily focus on in terms of evolution?

<p>The inheritability of acquired characteristics (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which genus is considered the immediate forerunner of the genus Homo?

<p>Australopithecus (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism by which Darwin explained human evolution?

<p>Natural selection (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following processes is NOT listed as a factor in human evolution according to the synthetic theory?

<p>Artificial selection (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What feature distinguished Ramapithecus from other primates?

<p>Robust jaws (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary diet of Dryopithecus as indicated in the content?

<p>Predominantly herbivorous (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes the physical characteristics of Australopithecus africanus?

<p>Approximately 4 feet tall and weighed between 60 to 90 pounds (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'survival of the fittest' mean in the context of evolutionary theory?

<p>Those best adapted to their environment are more likely to survive (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Paleontology

The study of the origin and evolution of humans through the analysis of fossil remains.

Primatology

The scientific study of primates, including humans, focusing on their behavior, evolution, and ecology.

Neuroanthropology

A subfield of anthropology that investigates the evolution of the human brain and the relationship between brain structure, function, and culture.

Human Osteology

The study of human skeletons, including their structure, function, and evolution. It helps understand past populations and disease patterns.

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Evolution

The process by which life forms change over generations, becoming more complex and adapted to their environments.

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Biological Anthropologists

A group of scientists who study the biological aspects of human evolution, including genetics, fossils, and anatomy.

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Human Evolution

The process by which humans evolved from earlier hominid species, encompassing changes in anatomy, behavior, and brain size.

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Linguistics

The scientific discipline that investigates the origins, development, and diversity of human languages.

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Homo Habilis

The first species of the Homo genus, known for its smaller molars, larger brains, and tool-making abilities. They lived in South and East Africa between 2.4 and 1.4 million years ago.

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Homo Erectus

A human ancestor known for its upright walking and use of complex tools. Fossils found in Java led to its discovery.

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Neanderthals

An extinct species of humans that lived from 250,000 to 30,000 years ago. They inherited many Homo Erectus characteristics but evolved larger brains and more sophisticated tool use.

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Homo Sapiens Sapiens

The first modern humans with distinct facial features and sophisticated art. They are closely related to the Cro-Magnon people found in Europe.

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Cro-Magnon

A group of early humans who lived in Europe during the Late Pleistocene period. Known for their cave paintings and their distinctive features - a rounded skull and prominent chin.

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What is Darwinism?

The theory that organisms evolve through the process of natural selection. It explains how species adapt to their environment and survive.

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What is Lamarckism?

The ability of organisms to inherit physical traits acquired during their lifetime, like longer necks in giraffes due to stretching to reach high leaves. It's now disregarded by scientists.

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What is the Primate Order?

A group of primates including humans, apes, and monkeys, as classified by Linnaeus.

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Who is Ramapithecus?

The ancestor of modern humans, identified by its erect walking, robust jaws, thicker tooth enamel, and use of hands for various tasks. These fossils were found in Punjab, India.

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Who is Dryopithecus?

An extinct genus of apes that lived in Africa, China, India, and Europe during Miocene times. They lived in densely forested areas and were likely herbivores.

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Who is Australopithecus Africanus?

A genus of extinct hominids that walked erect, lived on the ground, and likely used stones as weapons. They were discovered in South Africa.

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What is Homo?

The genus that includes modern humans (Homo sapiens). This genus is characterized by its large brains and advanced cognitive abilities.

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Who is Homo Habilis?

A species of early humans known for their use of simple tools. They lived and thrived in Africa between 2.4 and 1.6 million years ago.

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Study Notes

Biological Evolution of Man

  • Humans evolved through a process of biological changes, with several key stages.
  • The study of human evolution, also known as anthropogenesis, involves many scientific disciplines.
  • Experts like Leakey, Johanson, Dart, Wolford, and Pilbean have greatly contributed to the understanding of human evolution.
  • Biological anthropology investigates human biology, its evolutionary background, and racial classifications, alongside human adaptations and variations.
  • It also examines forensic studies and the intricate interrelationship between biology and culture.

Lesson Objectives

  • Understanding the context, processes, and consequences of human socialization is crucial.
  • Identifying key social scientists (e.g., anthropologists, archaeologists) and their contributions is important.
  • Different theories of evolution, like Lamarckism, Darwinism, and the Synthetic Theory, provide insights into the process.
  • The stages of human evolution, including Dryopithecus, Ramapithecus, and Australopithecus, are significant milestones.
  • Biological anthropologists play a critical role in understanding man and his evolution.

Theories of Evolution

  • Lamarckism: Evolution is a gradual process, a general fact affecting all life forms; this theory focuses on the heritability of acquired traits.
  • Darwinism: Evolution occurs through natural selection. Individuals with advantageous traits for survival and reproduction have a higher chance of passing those traits to offspring, leading to species adaptation.
  • Neo-Darwinism (or the Synthetic Theory): Human evolution is driven by the interaction of five crucial processes: mutation, genetic formulation, changes in chromosome structure, natural selection, and reproductive isolation.

Stages in Human Evolution

  • Dryopithecus: Primate apes from Africa, China, India and Europe, thought to be herbivores.
  • Ramapithecus: Fossil discovered in the Punjabi region of India; evidence suggests hominid adaptations including robust jaws, thickened tooth enamel, smaller canines, upright posture, and tool usage.
  • Australopithecus (Australopithecus Africanus): The immediate ancestors to Homo. These hominins lived in South Africa and demonstrated characteristics of early humans, including upright posture, tool use, and a smaller stature.

Genus Homo

  • Homo habilis: An early species within the Homo genus, lived in late Pliocene Africa; featured smaller molar teeth and larger brains compared to Australopithecus; evidence suggests tool production from stones and possibly animal bones.
  • Homo erectus: Evolved from Homo habilis, known for upright walking; Java Man and Peking Man are examples. Evidence indicates tool use, cooperative hunting, and potential fire use.
  • Homo sapiens neanderthalensis: Lived 250,000 to 30,000 years ago. Developed sophisticated stone tools and exhibited advanced hunting capabilities.
  • Homo sapiens sapiens: Evolved from previous hominins; featured a smaller jaw, rounder skull, and chin, and exhibited early art and hunting/foraging lifestyles. Cro-Magnon man is an example.

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