Early Human Ancestors and Civilizations
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Questions and Answers

What characteristic contributed to the increased reliance of Homo Ergaster mothers on their partners and social group?

  • The development of tools for hunting.
  • The migration out of Africa.
  • The development of language.
  • The increased size of the infant's brain at birth. (correct)

What is the main reason why Homo Ergaster had such a high energy consumption?

  • The high energy requirements of its brain. (correct)
  • The need for a complex social system.
  • Its need for food to travel long distances.
  • Its large body size.

How did Homo Ergaster's communication differ from that of earlier hominins?

  • Homo Ergaster was the first to understand animal behavior.
  • Homo Ergaster used more complex gestures. (correct)
  • Homo Ergaster could speak fluently.
  • Homo Ergaster was the first to use written language.

Which of these is NOT a characteristic of Homo erectus?

<p>They had a shoulder adapted for throwing projectiles. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason given for the lack of significant technological advances in Homo Ergaster for a million years?

<p>The environment did not present the need for significant technological advancement. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Homo ergaster being referred to as "African Homo erectus"?

<p>Homo erectus evolved in Africa and later migrated to other parts of the world. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the "Great Toblin Explosion" mentioned in the text?

<p>An event that led to conflict between Homo erectus and modern humans. (E)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a likely consequence of prolonged vitamin A deficiency in Homo erectus?

<p>Their bones became weak and brittle. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason a patriarchal order seeks to control women?

<p>To ensure a steady population of soldiers (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do men exploit women's status to suppress them?

<p>By assuming any woman can be replaced (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why are dictatorships considered obsolete in the current context?

<p>Mass communication diminishes their effectiveness (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the autonomous village compared to patriarchal societies?

<p>Decision-making by a council of both genders (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why did men feel less valuable in the autonomous village compared to earlier societies?

<p>They lost their primary role as hunters (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During which geological period did humans last share a common ancestor with chimpanzees?

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

What was the significant development that allowed our ancestors more security and time to think?

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

What is the average height of male Australopithecus afarensis?

<p>4 ft 11 in (151 cm) (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which feature indicates that Australopithecus afarensis could adapt to different environments?

<p>Bipedal locomotion (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What dental evidence indicates about the diet of Australopithecus afarensis?

<p>Fruit and hard, brittle foods as fallback (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which species is known as 'the handy man' and recognized as one of the earliest members of the genus Homo?

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

What is one of the retained ape-like features in Homo habilis?

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

What does the average weight of female Australopithecus afarensis suggest about their physicality?

<p>Much lighter than males (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role did gossip play in the survival of early humans?

<p>It allowed them to understand social relationships. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When is Mitochondrial Eve estimated to have lived?

<p>Approximately 200,000 years ago. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in relation to Mitochondrial Eve?

<p>It is passed down only through the maternal line. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a crucial factor in the domestication of dogs?

<p>Their social hierarchy similarity with humans. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What theory explains the migration of humans from Africa?

<p>The Out of Africa Theory. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes the relationship between early humans and Neanderthals?

<p>They coexisted and shared habitats throughout their existence. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant advantage did the control of fire provide to early humans?

<p>Allowed for a greater diversity of food through cooking (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following adaptations did Homo heidelbergensis develop for living in colder climates?

<p>Short, wide bodies to conserve heat (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the primary functions dogs served for early humans?

<p>Herding large groups of herbivores. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a possible cause for early nation-states to gain power?

<p>The use of terror as a means of control. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What evidence suggests that H. heidelbergensis may have had a form of ritualistic behavior?

<p>They buried their dead in pits with tools (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a major advancement of H. heidelbergensis in relation to hunting?

<p>They were the first to routinely hunt large animals (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What were the average heights for male and female Homo heidelbergensis?

<p>Male: 5 ft 9 in, Female: 5 ft 2 in (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Neanderthals cohabited with modern humans for how long before their extinction?

<p>29,000 years (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does recent evidence about Neanderthals indicate about their relationship with modern humans?

<p>They interbred with modern humans (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Homo heidelbergensis use to build their shelters?

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

What percentage of Neanderthal DNA may some people of European descent carry?

<p>1-4% (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one proposed reason for the extinction of Neanderthals?

<p>Competition with Homo sapiens (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What geographical factor contributed to increased inbreeding in Neanderthal populations?

<p>Isolation caused by geography (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What evolutionary advantage did gossip provide for Homo sapiens?

<p>Social bonding and cooperation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant event is referred to as the Cognitive Revolution?

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

How did early modern humans approach their survival around 140,000 years ago?

<p>Through natural selection of the strongest (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about Neanderthal physical characteristics is true?

<p>They had larger nostrils for efficient cooling (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What initial environment did modern humans cling to for survival about 140,000 years ago?

<p>Coastal areas of Africa (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Miocene

The geological period during which our last common ancestor with chimpanzees lived.

Impact of Fire on Early Human Development

The ability to control fire allowed early humans to have increased safety and more time for thinking and imagination.

Australopithecus afarensis

An early hominin species named after the famous Lucy fossil. They possessed both ape and human characteristics, walking upright but also adept at climbing trees.

Short Childhood of Australopithecus afarensis

Australopithecus afarensis had a shorter childhood compared to modern humans, limiting their time for socialization and parental guidance.

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Diet of Australopithecus afarensis

Australopithecus afarensis had a diet primarily of soft fruits and vegetables while also capable of consuming hard, brittle foods when needed.

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Homo Habilis

Homo Habilis, known as the 'handy man', is considered one of the earliest members of the genus Homo, characterized by a larger brain than Australopithecus, smaller face and teeth, but retaining some ape-like features.

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Stone Tool Use in Homo Habilis

Homo Habilis was initially believed to be the first stone tool maker, although the oldest stone tools are now dated slightly older than the oldest evidence of the genus Homo.

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Facial Features of Homo Habilis

Homo Habilis possessed a moderately-prognathic face, meaning it protruded forward like an ape's.

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What are the benefits of fire for early humans?

The ability to control fire allowed early humans to cook food, stay warm, protect themselves from predators, and make tools.

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Describe Homo heidelbergensis

Homo heidelbergensis, a human ancestor, lived in cold climates, built shelters, and was the first to intentionally hunt large game animals.

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What is the 'Pit of Bones'?

The 'Pit of Bones' in northern Spain contains bones from 30 Homo heidelbergensis individuals, suggesting possible ritualistic practices.

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Where did Neanderthals live?

Neanderthals lived in Europe and parts of western Asia for a long time before becoming extinct about 29,000 years ago.

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How did Neanderthals think?

Neanderthals had a different way of thinking compared to Homo sapiens, but were physically strong and tough.

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What does modern research tell us about the relationship between Neanderthals and humans?

Recent studies show that Neanderthals and modern humans interbred, indicating some genetic connections.

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Homo ergaster's 'Gas Guzzler' Brain

Homo ergaster's reliance on meat for sustenance, leading to a need for greater energy consumption to fuel their growing brains.

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Trade-off of Immature Brain

The evolutionary adaptation of humans to be born with immature brains, allowing for easier birth despite larger skulls.

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Homo ergaster's Long Legs

Homo ergaster's long-legged physique, which facilitated long-distance travel and efficient scavenging of food, especially meat.

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Homo ergaster and the Nuclear Family

The evolution of the nuclear family, starting with Homo ergaster, as increased reliance on meat and the vulnerability of infants required greater social support.

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Homo Ergaster's Migration Out of Africa

The first hominin known to migrate out of Africa, suggesting an ability to adapt to new environments and a potential for wider exploration.

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Homo Erectus: Human-Like Body Proportions

The first human ancestors with human-like body proportions, featuring shorter arms and longer legs compared to the torso, marking a shift towards more efficient upright walking.

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Homo Erectus: Master of Fire

Homo erectus, the first human ancestor to likely master fire, potentially for cooking food and protection.

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Homo Erectus: Limited Shoulder Structure

Homo erectus's limited shoulder structure, restricting their ability to throw projectiles with accuracy, suggesting a different hunting and survival strategy.

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Patriarchy

A social system where men hold primary power and dominance in the family, community, and society at large.

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Hierarchy

A system where individuals or groups are ranked in a hierarchy, with those at the top having more power and privilege.

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Militarism

The glorification of military strength and the use of force as a means of resolving conflicts or achieving national objectives.

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Is male domination natural?

Gwyn Dywer argues that male dominance is not inherent but a social construct, influenced by factors like societal security and the need for manpower in times of threat.

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Why do men support patriarchy?

Men collaborate with the patriarchal order because it grants them status over women in their lives, even though themselves may be low in the power hierarchy.

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Neanderthal Facial Features

Neanderthals had a larger nose and longer face, with the mid-part of the face jutting forward. Their large nostrils helped them cool down efficiently without sweating.

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Neanderthal Extinction Theory

While initially believed to be due to competition with Homo sapiens, Neanderthals may have been absorbed into the larger modern human population due to interbreeding.

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Homo Sapiens Arrival in Europe

Early modern humans arrived in Europe over 40,000 years ago, possibly creating competition for resources with Neanderthals.

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Neanderthal Inbreeding

Isolated Neanderthal populations led to increased inbreeding, potentially impacting their genetic diversity and survival.

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Modern Human Near Extinction

Modern humans faced extinction around 140,000 years ago, surviving only in coastal areas of Africa.

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Modern Human Natural Selection

Natural selection during the near extinction period favored the fittest individuals, strengthening the modern human species.

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The Cognitive Revolution

The development of gossip and social cooperation is considered crucial for the survival of Homo sapiens.

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Language Evolution for Gossip

Our language evolved to facilitate communication about people, relationships, and social dynamics, which were critical for survival and reproduction.

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Mitochondrial Eve

The most recent female ancestor from whom all living humans descend, on their mother's side, tracing back through female lineages.

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Genetic Drift

The reduction of family lines due to random genetic processes, often leading to loss of genetic diversity.

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Out of Africa Theory

The theory suggesting that modern humans originated in Africa and migrated out to populate the rest of the world, displacing other human species.

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Miocene Epoch

The evolutionary period when our last common ancestor with chimpanzees existed, estimated to be around 5-13 million years ago.

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Why were dogs critical for early civilization?

The ability of dogs to control herds of herbivores, enabling early humans to domesticate other animals and develop agriculture.

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How did Gossip Aid Early Humans?

Gossip, sharing information about individuals, was crucial for early human survival as it allowed them to identify trustworthy allies and avoid threats.

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Benefits of Fire for Early Humans

The ability to control fire allowed early humans to cook food, stay warm, protect themselves from predators, and make tools.

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How did Gossip Contribute to Human Expansion?

Early humans were able to expand their tribes into larger groups than Neanderthals and Homo Erectus because they relied on gossip to understand social relationships and identify trustworthy individuals.

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Study Notes

Early Human Ancestors and Civilizations

  • Miocene Period: This was the time period when humans last shared a common ancestor with chimpanzees.
  • Environmental Changes: Monsoons in India and drying conditions in Africa led to changes in forest cover, increasing grasslands.
  • Subcontinent Formation: The collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates formed the Himalayas, isolating the subcontinent.
  • Fire's Impact: Fire allowed early humans security, time to think and plan, and reduced anxieties about the future.
  • Australopithecus afarensis (Lucy): A bipedal hominin with ape-like features, adapting to both tree-dwelling and ground-based life. Known for efficient bipedalism, suggesting greater energy conservation and the ability to travel greater distances.
  • Homo habilis: An early human species with larger brain capacity and smaller face/teeth than Australopithecus. Known as the "handy man" due to the use of stone tools, allowing for access to more diverse foods (bone marrow).
  • Paranthropus boisei: A specialized hominin with adaptations for heavy chewing, indicating a diet of tough foods (roots, nuts). The size and shape of the teeth and skull suggest this.
  • Homo ergaster: An early human species characterized by a tall, slender build, longer legs, and adaptations for running and heat regulation (sweating). Important for migration out of Africa. Had the first complete human-like body proportions, able to walk completely upright, used tools proficiently, could cook food, and may have been the first to migrate out of Africa.
  • Homo erectus: A species of early humans characterized by human-like body proportions, including longer legs and shorter arms. Known as the first to migrate from Africa, likely the first to cook food, and possibly the first to master fire.
  • Homo heidelbergensis: An early human species living in colder climates with adaptations for heat conservation. Known for the use of controlled fire and the construction of shelters. Skilled hunters, capable of hunting large animals, and showing evidence of sophisticated tools.
  • Neanderthals: Inhabited Europe and parts of Western Asia. Coexisted with modern humans for a time and displayed large brains, robust build, adaptations for cold climates, and strong evidence of sophisticated cognition. Questions remain about their extinction.
  • Modern Humans: The species is characterized by large brain capacity, complex language, and the use of sophisticated tools. They were successful in migrating into new regions and environments.

Neolithic Revolution

  • Agricultural Revolution: Humans began to domesticate plants and animals. This shift allowed for more stationary living, which led to population growth and the development of settled communities.
  • Sedentary Living: The development of agriculture led to a shift away from nomadic lifestyles towards settled communities.
  • Population Growth: Agriculture allowed people to produce surplus food, resulting in greater population densities.

Additional Questions

  • Early Civilizations: How did a single person gain power in early nation-states? How does every nation mirror the first nation? -These questions are about political development in ancient societies, relating to leadership and societal structures.

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First Humans Review PDF

Description

Explore the significant developments in early human evolution and the impact of environmental changes during the Miocene period. Learn about key hominins like Australopithecus afarensis and Homo habilis, their adaptations, and the transformative role of fire. This quiz delves into the formation of human civilizations and their ancestral roots.

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