Evolution of Humans PDF

 Biological EVOLUTION “physical transformation” changes, modifications, and variations in the genetics and inherited traits of biological populations from one generation to another (e.g., changes in physical body, changes in bones, brain, dentition, fingers, posture...

 Biological EVOLUTION “physical transformation” changes, modifications, and variations in the genetics and inherited traits of biological populations from one generation to another (e.g., changes in physical body, changes in bones, brain, dentition, fingers, posture, movement, and bipedalism (walking on two feet in an upright position). Charles Darwin English naturalist and geologist who conducted numerous studies regarding the changes that occur among plants, fossil animals, and different breed of pigeons, concluded that each species was not created at one time in a fixed form (Ember, Ember, and Peregrine 2002, p. 32). “On the Origins of Species by Means of Natural Selection (1859) He introduced the concept of evolution to explain the origins of modern humans. Darwin wrote: “Species are not immutable, but that those belonging to what are called the same genera are lineal descendants of some other and generally extinct species, in the same manner as the acknowledged varieties of any one species” (Ember, Ember, and Peregrine 2002, p. 33).  Natural Selection Natural Selection is the outcome of processes that affect the frequencies of traits in a particular environment. Traits that enhance survival and reproductive success increase in frequency over time.  Sahelanthropus tchadensis 6-7 million years ago Characteristics: apelike and humanlike features Height: Almost similar w/ Chimpanzee Brain Size: about 320-380 cubic cm Teeth Small Walk upright  Ardipithecus 4-5 million years ago Characteristics: skull similar to an ape Height: 4 feet Weight: about 120 pounds Small Brain Walk upright Lived in jungles and forest like chimpanzees  Australopithecus or Southern Ape 5-1 million years ago Used sticks and stones for digging Tool users but not tool makers Lived in small social groups Brain: 500 cubic cm or 1/3 of the size of human brain Walk upright: estimated 15km distance of movement to search for stones Food scavengers: Ate insects, eggs, plants, fruits, and sometimes meat  Australopithecus or Southern Ape Gracile (gracile Robust (robust australopithecus) australopithecine) LARGE TEETH & JAWS SMALL TEETH AND JAW Australopithecus aethiopicus Australopithecus anamensis Australopithecus robustus Australopithecus afarensis Australopithecus boisei Australopithecus africanus (MUSCULAR BUILT)  Lucy 3.2 million years old Australopithecus Afarensis one of the modern human’s earliest ancestors and remains as the most famous hominid fossil discovered. Lucy was discovered in Hadar, Ethiopia in November 1974 by paleoanthropologists led by Dr. Donald Johanson.  Homo Habilis “Handy man” Direct ancestor of the modern human because of its ability to produce tools. Characteristics: Height: 3-4 feet Brain: half of the size of modern human brain (700 cc) Oldowan tools (used as cutting tools and made from volcanic stones (found in Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania) used tools for hunting and gathering  Homo Ergaster “Homo Erectus came from” existed 1.8 million years ago, and was the next homo species to flourish.  Homo Erectus “Upright man & Skillful Hunters” lived from 1.8 million to 300,000 years ago. More intelligent and adaptable to Homo Habilis. Characteristics: Brain: 1,000 cc or about 2/3 of modern human brain Height: about 5 feet Walks upright Complex tools (digging, cutting, scraping) Hand axe (slicing, chopping, digging)  Homo Erectus “Upright man & Skillful Hunters” lived from 1.8 million to 300,000 years ago. More intelligent and adaptable to Homo Habilis. Characteristics: use fire live in caves and small houses made in tree branches spoken language leave Africa and travel to other continent (they were able to survive in Asia.  Homo Sapiens “Wise Man & Modern Humans” sophistically and smoothened tools and had more developed shelters and advanced technology. Characteristics: large brain (1,400 cc) almost similar to modern humans lived in shelters Food gatherers: ate plants and fruits Hunted animals learned to gather and cooked shellfish (164, 000 years ago) used fire crafted metals  CULTURAL EVOLUTION Humans developed and modifies their culture through time as a response to the threats and challenges posed by their environment. led to the transformation of different societies and political systems, a process called sociopolitical evolution which happens when societies develop new forms of economic subsistence acquire knowledge, and apply technology. According to Gerhard Lenski (1924-2015), an American Sociologist, argued that human society undergoes transformation and evolution and in the process develops technological advancement. Hunting & Gathering Societies Horticultural & Pastoral Societies Agricultural Societies (neolithic) Industrial Societies Post-Industrial Societies Political Evolution