Biological Evolution of Man PDF

Biological Evolution of Man The development of the human person did not occur overnight. It took thousands of years for human species to develop. The skills, characteristics, culture, and society that we have at present are products of countless years of evolutionary development. Biological e...

Biological Evolution of Man The development of the human person did not occur overnight. It took thousands of years for human species to develop. The skills, characteristics, culture, and society that we have at present are products of countless years of evolutionary development. Biological evolution is the change in inherited traits over successive generations in populations of organisms. Evolutionary modification of traits occurs when variation is introduced into a population by gene mutation or genetic recombination or is removed by natural selection or genetic drift. Biological Evolution -Scientist study the changes in the physical body of humans, the changes in the shape and size of their bones living in contrasting climates and environmental conditions. Charles Darwin is an English naturalist, geologist and biologist, best known for his contribution to the science of evolution. His proposition that all species of life have descended over time from common ancestors is now widely accepted, and considered a foundational concept I science. He introduces his scientific theory that this branching pattern of evolution resulted from a process that he called natural selection. Natural selection is the process through which populations of living organisms adapt and change. Individuals in a population are naturally variable, meaning that they are all different in some ways. This variation means that some individuals have traits better suited to the environment than others.  Biological Evolution e.g. Populations adapted to colder sub-zero temperatures (such as the Inuit eskimos) tend to have broader hips and short, thick extremities (reduces surface area: body mass ratio, facilitating heat conservation), as well as more fat deposits (insulation) e.g Populations adapted to warmer temperatures (such as Australian aborigines) tend to have increased skin pigmentation to better cope with the damaging effects of solar radiation Transition from Early to Modern Humans Homo habilis Transition Stage: Homo habilis Period of Existence: 2.5 – 1.4 million years ago Homo habilis Distinct Features: Developed bipedalism or the ability to walk upright. Brain size was estimated to be 35% larger than the Australopithecus africanus. Had smaller teeth compared to australopithecines. Diet included a variety of plants and meat The Homo habilis was one of the earliest specie of the genus Homo habilis Homo. Despite significant human features, Homo habilis still bore apelike features. It was given the nickname “handy man” upon its discovery In 1960 because it was believed to be one of the first user of stone tools. Homo erectus Transition Stage: Homo erectus Period of Existence: 1.9 million years ago Distinct Features: Further enhanced bipedal activities. Characterized by strong muscles at the back of the neck, shallow forehead, and elongated brain case. Diet included an increased consumption of meat  Homo erectus While Homo habilis was already able to stand on two feet, the full development of the activity peaked through the Homo erectus, thus gaining the nickname “the upright man”. The Homo erectus is credited as the species that learned Homo erectus how to control fire. Fossil remains of the species found in Africa, Southeast Asia, and Europe suggest that Homo erectus became extinct some 200,000 years ago. Transition Stage: Homo sapiens Period of Existence: 400,000 years ago to present Distinct Features: Average brain capacity of 82 cubic inches. Characterized by high forehead, small teeth and jaw, and defined chin. Constructed and used tools for survival. Developed a symbolic communication system Homo sapiens is the species where all present human beings belong. It was given the nickname “the wise man” by anthropologist. Cultural Evolution Cultural evolution occurs through the development of customs and languages, and involves the transfer of information either within a generation or across generations. The Significance of Artifactual evidence in Understanding Evolution Artefactual evidence is the only source of knowledge in understanding the lifestyle and the developments that occurred in each transitional stage of human evolution. Early human species were discovered through fossils which are remains hardened in rock. Scientists study the structure, shape, and development of skeletal properties including head shape and teeth to determine biological differences across early to modern species. Appreciating the Past through the Present It is important for modern humans to learn about their origins and developments. The great biological evolution that the human species has been through was complex and developmental. As human beings, we are called to understand and appreciate these advances. Cultural Evolution Any unit of cultural information, such as a practice or an idea that gets transmitted or by repeated action from one mind to another is called a meme  Cultural Evolution e.g. The change in lifestyle of modern humans from nomadic hunter- gatherers to permanent settlers who domesticated animals and adopted agricultural practices  Important periods of history that shaped culture Lower Paleolithic (3 million years ago) Use of Flakes and Stones  Important periods of history that shaped culture Lower Paleolithic (3 million years ago) Earliest stone tools were developed by Homo habilis The development of Acheulian tools (such as hand ax) took place during the time of the Homo Erectus  Middle Paleolithic (120,000 years ago) - There were more developed stone tools. - The period is characterized by Mousterian tools that are known for their sharp edges. Important periods of history that shaped culture Upper Paleolithic (35,000 years ago) -Tools were more decorated. Tools included sticks, sharp blades, harpoons , and spearheads  Mesolithic (12,000 years ago) - Smaller and finer tools were used - Blades were incorporated in wood or bone - There was evidence of trading between groups to gather materials for tools Neolithic (10,000 years ago) - Domestication of Crops - The period cemented trading practices and opened new doors for the development of new tools - This period officially ended hunting-gathering practices  Cultural developments started out with simpler tools as time progressed, primitive humans learned the skills to create tools from their environment  Primitive human species learned to settle in a single area as well as to plant crops and rice, they also needed to develop new tools and skills for the process. These discoveries and new activities led the early Homo sapiens to further enhance their system of communication and trade with other groups. Cooperation in Cultural Evolution Division of labor became a prominent means of survival. Males and females both had roles to take. Male- Hunting Females- Foraging  Having learned the value of cooperation, males and females also realized that they needed to depend on each other for survival. It was realized, therefore, that the existence of both sexes was not purely for reproductive purposes but also for practical reasons. Sociopolitical Evolution of Man Neolithic Revolution the critical transition that resulted in the birth of agriculture Implications of the Neolithic Revolution 1. The Neolithic revolution paved the way for the creation of civilization through permanent settlements by reliable food supply. 2. Development of domestication techniques and practices allowed for a more complex society and the possibility for urbanization Implications of the Neolithic Revolution 3. A form of social stratification was developed. 4. Because of the domestication of crops and animals, an abundant supply of food and resources was maintained. 5. There was an increase in human population and life span across civilizations. Implications of the Neolithic Revolution 6. Introduction of selective breeding process of crops and animals. 7. People learned to play different social roles apart from being farmers (e.g. craftsman, priests, leader) Rise of civilization and States The rise of civilizations and states have led to urbanization, economic focus, political power, and material development. These changes have allowed both positive and negative implications that directly affected future developments in the socio-political evolution of men Implications of the Rise of Civilizations and States 1. Warfare- Conflict and wars emerged among states as tensions grew among them. Soon, professional armies and weaponry began to make their appearance  Implications of the Rise of Civilizations and States 2. Metalwork- A vast development in metal work occurred along with the rise of civilizations and states. During this time, people began to discover various raw materials such as iron, copper, and bronze for making tools and weapons  Implications of the Rise of Civilizations and States 3. Political System- because of economic factors such as trading, the leadership among city-states began to be more organized and developed. With the kingship system replacing the priestly leaders, each state had an executive branch that centralized decisions and communications with other states Democratization The development of democracy led to changes that greatly impacted the ordinary people by reducing inequality and promoting fair treatment for all. The beginnings of democratization in Greece laid out the foundations for modern-day democracy. Democratization The establishment of a democratic government promoted the development of culture and art that eventually distinguished the Greek and Roman civilizations from other ancient civilizations.