Human Evolution Overview

The ability of Homo erectus to use and make tools, which became increasingly complex over time, indicating their adaptability and intelligence.

Homo erectus shared many physical similarities with modern humans, including height and the use of fire for cooking and warmth.

The positioning of the larynx in Homo erectus suggests the possibility of vocal communication, which would have enhanced their ability to cooperate and communicate.

Evidence suggests that Homo erectus cared for sick and elderly members, indicating their social bonds and compassion.

Homo erectus migrated from Africa to other parts of the world, likely driven by factors such as climate change and the search for food.

Homo erectus preferred living near rivers and lakes, hunting and eating various animals, as evidenced by discoveries in the Near East.

The evolution of Homo erectus led to the diversification of human species, resulting in the emergence of Neanderthals, Denisovans, and modern humans.

The interaction between different human species, like Neanderthals, Denisovans, and modern humans, remains unclear.

The movement of people from one place to another, often over long distances and spanning generations.

A theory suggesting that climate change, specifically the drying trend in Africa, triggered the initial wave of human migration out of Africa.

A way of life characterized by hunting animals and gathering plants for sustenance.

The gradual movement of humans across vast distances over thousands of years, often driven by factors like resources, climate, and conflict.

The natural process of species disappearing from Earth, often due to environmental changes or competition with other species.

The period of time when large animals began to disappear from Australia, coinciding with the arrival of humans.

The idea that human arrival in new environments could significantly impact the local ecosystem, sometimes leading to the extinction of native species.

The process of adapting to new environmental conditions, including learning to gather different plants and hunt different animals.

The movement of Homo sapiens populations out of Africa, spanning tens of thousands of years and reaching every continent.

Early humans followed coastlines, likely using rafts or boats to cross short distances between islands. This is supported by archaeological evidence such as the Kennewick Man, whose features resemble those of Southeast Asian populations.

The Bering Land Bridge, a land connection between present-day Alaska and Siberia, was exposed during the last Ice Age, allowing humans to migrate from Asia into North America.

The period of global human migration occurred during the last Ice Age. Sea levels were lower, exposing land masses that are now underwater. This allowed humans to travel further and reach new territories.

The global human migration was a complex process with various routes and temporal variations. Archaeological evidence helps us understand the timeline and patterns of these movements, although our knowledge is still evolving.

The analysis of archaeological findings, such as the Kennewick Man, contributes significantly to our understanding of human origins and migration routes, providing new information about early human populations and their adaptations.

The migration of Homo sapiens across the globe represents a significant event in human history, leading to the diversity of human populations we see today.

The process of understanding and interpreting archaeological discoveries requires constant refinement and adjustment as new findings emerge and our knowledge advances.

The period in human history characterized by the use of stone tools, lasting from about 3.3 million years ago until roughly twelve thousand years ago.

The earliest known human-made stone tools, created by smashing rocks together to create sharp edges. They were used for a variety of purposes, including cutting, scraping, and chopping.

A type of stone tool created by carefully chipping away smaller flakes from a stone core to create a teardrop-shaped implement.

A more advanced type of stone tool that emerged around 1.7 million years ago, characterized by their teardrop shape and sharper edges.

A type of stone tool characterized by its teardrop shape and sharp edge, significantly more advanced than Oldowan tools.

The earliest human ancestors who are believed to have created Oldowan tools.

The process of using stone tools for various tasks, such as cutting, scraping, and chopping.

The study of ancient objects and their use to learn about past societies.

The ability to use and understand complex language, allowing for communication, coordination, and transfer of knowledge.

Artistic representations created by early humans, often found in caves and made using materials like bone, stone, and pigments.

Caves decorated with paintings made by prehistoric humans, featuring animals, hand prints, and symbols.

The Cave of Altamira in northern Spain is known for its impressive cave paintings, which showcase realistic depictions of animals dating back thousands of years.

Pigment made from clay, used by prehistoric artists to create vivid colors in their cave paintings.

The practice of incorporating features of the cave environment into the artwork, creating a sense of depth and realism in prehistoric cave paintings.

The deep, dark interiors of caves where prehistoric cave paintings were often found, suggesting that they were not created for simple decoration but potentially held a deeper meaning.

The purpose of prehistoric cave paintings, which is still debated but possibly related to religious beliefs or rituals.

A type of stone toolmaking technique that used flakes rather than cores, resulting in smaller hand-axes and other implements.

Stone tools made from flakes, used for tasks like cutting meat, scraping leather, and creating spearheads.

Around 45,000 years ago, humans began making a diverse range of stone flake tools, including scrapers and engraving tools.

A tool that helped humans in many ways, including staying warm, scaring off predators, cooking, and tool manufacture.

An important debate in human evolution: whether early humans like Homo erectus could control fire, or just used natural fires.

The ability to produce 50 different sounds, which allows us to communicate through language.

Archaeological evidence suggests that early humans used fire to harden wooden spears, making them more effective hunting tools.

Fire also played a vital role in social bonding and communication, fostering group unity and survival.