Evolution of Man: Human Evolution Stages and Prehistoric Eras PDF

Summary

This document covers the evolution of man with an emphasis on prehistoric periods. It explores the different stages of human evolution, tools, and the characteristics of periods such as the Paleolithic and Neolithic eras. It also explores the meaning of the word prehistory and its stages.

Full Transcript

hominid Homo habilis Homo erectus Homo sapiens CHARLES DARWIN He proposed the Theory of Evolution. The Greatest Biologist in History On the Origin of the Species Stages of human evolution HOMINID (A man-like primate)- during the age of mammals, the primates were the highest order of mammals...

hominid Homo habilis Homo erectus Homo sapiens CHARLES DARWIN He proposed the Theory of Evolution. The Greatest Biologist in History On the Origin of the Species Stages of human evolution HOMINID (A man-like primate)- during the age of mammals, the primates were the highest order of mammals. Australopithecus His brain was as small as a modern ape’s head, walked straight, and used simple tools and lived for more than 500 million years ago. Gracile Australopithecines AUSTRALOPITHECUS ANAMENSIS Discovery Date: 1995 Where Lived: Eastern Africa (Lake Turkana, Kenya and Middle Awash, Ethiopia) When Lived: About 4.2 to 3.8 million years ago Gracile Australopithecines Australopithecus anamensis was the earliest australopithecine species. They were found in some locations in northern Kenya. It is small in built with teeth similar to the later A. afarensis. Gracile Australopithecines AUSTRALOPITHECUS AFARENSIS Nickname: Lucy's species Discovery Date: 1974 Where Lived: Eastern Africa (Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania) When Lived: Between about 3.85 and 2.95 million years ago Height: Males: average 4 ft 11 in (151 cm); Females: average 3 ft 5 in (105 cm) Weight: Males: average 92 lbs (42 kg) ; Females: average 64 lbs (29 kg) lucy Teenage girl (3-1/2 feet tall) and lived for more than 3.5 million years old Robust Australopithecines AUSTRALOPITHECUS AETHIOPICUS Where Lived: Eastern Africa (Turkana basin of northern Kenya, southern Ethiopia) When Lived: About 2.7 to 2.3 million years ago Robust Australopithecines Robust Australopithecines AUSTRALOPITHECUS ROBUSTUS Discovery Date: 1938 Where Lived: Southern Africa (South Africa) When Lived: About 1.8 to 1.2 million years ago Height: Males: average 3 ft 9 in (1.2 m) tall; Females: average just under 3 ft 3 in (1 m) Weight: Males: average 119 lbs (54 kg); Females: average 88 lbs (40 kg) Australopithecus 1. Gracile Australopithecines 2. Robust Australopithecines HOMO HABILIS (Handy man)- invented stone tools HOMO ERECTUS (Upright man)- first manlike creature because he walked straight, used fire, made stone weapons, and hunted large animals HOMO SAPIEN (Wise man)- muscular man and erect; lived in small groups of families as hunters or cave dwellers. AFRICA The “cradle of mankind” or “birthplace” of mankind B C D Meaning The Prehistoric Era refers to the period in history when ancient people had not yet invented a writing system, so they had no means of recording their experiences, history, and way of life. Meaning Only the remains and tools left behind from the Prehistoric Era serve as the basis and evidence of their way of life. The Paleolithic Period or Old Stone Age (Circa 70,000 – 12,000 BCE) refers to the era when early humans primarily used simple stone tools and lived as hunter-gatherers. Characteristics of the Paleolithic Period: - Used crude and rough stone tools. - Lived by hunting and fishing. - Nomadic lifestyle, constantly moving in search of food. - Dwelled in caves. - Developed skills in art, such as sculpting, painting, and carving. Contributions of the Paleolithic Period: Stone Tools: Development of basic tools like hand axes, scrapers, and choppers made from flint and other stones. Art and Symbolism: Creation of early art forms, including cave paintings, carvings, and sculptures that provided insight into early human beliefs and practices. Hunter-Gatherer Societies: Establishment of nomadic lifestyles based on hunting and foraging, which laid the foundation for later social structures. Fire Use: Mastery of fire for cooking, warmth, and protection. Examples of Tools Used: In creating stone tools, there were four primary traditions in the works of Paleolithic ancestors, including: Core Tool Tradition – Tools made by chipping stones to create a sharp edge. Flake Tool Tradition – Tools created by removing small flakes from stones to produce sharper cutting edges. Blade Tool Tradition – Longer, thinner stone blades used for more precise cutting. Pebble Tool Tradition – Simple tools made from rounded pebbles, chipped to form basic implements. 2. The Neolithic Period or New Stone Age (9000 – 1800 BCE) marks the era when humans transitioned from nomadic lifestyles to settled agricultural communities. This period is characterized by advancements in farming, tool-making, and permanent settlements. Characteristics of the Neolithic Period: People used tools made from polished stone. They learned various skills through experimentation, such as pottery-making, weaving, and other forms of art. Lived in agricultural communities with permanent settlements. Domesticated animals for labor and as a food source. Contributions of the Neolithic Period: Farming: Development of agriculture, which led to settled communities and food surplus. Polished Stone Tools: Introduction of advanced tools like mortars and pestles for grinding and processing. Wheel and Plow: Innovations that revolutionized agriculture and transportation. Various Cutting Tools: Creation of diverse tools such as knives, forks, and hoes for improved farming and daily tasks. Mga sibilisasyong umusbong sa Panahong Neolitiko (Catal Huyuk, at Sumer) 3. The Metal Age (4,000 BCE – Present) refers to the era when humans began to use metal tools and weapons, marking a significant advancement from stone tools. This period includes the Bronze Age, Iron Age, and continues into modern times with the use of various metals in technology and industry. a. Bronze Age (Copper Age): - Start of Copper Use: Copper began to be used around 4000 BCE in some parts of Asia, 2000 BCE in Europe, and 1500 BCE in Egypt. - Advancements: Refinement in the production and crafting of copper tools and weapons, marking significant progress in metallurgy. b. Bronze Age: Widespread Use of Bronze: Bronze became widely used after discovering a new method to harden it. Alloying Copper and Tin: Combining copper and tin to create stronger tools and weapons. Variety of Tools and Weapons: Production of various items like swords, axes, knives, daggers, hammers, bows, and spears. Trade Development: People began to engage in trade with neighboring regions. c. Iron Age: - Discovery of Iron: The Hittites, an Indo- European group in Western Asia, discovered iron around 1500 BCE. - Iron Smelting and Forging: They learned to melt and forge iron, leading to advancements in tool and weapon-making.