5: Biological and Cultural Revolution (From Australopithecus to Homo Sapiens) Flashcards
gradual development of something, specially from a simple to a more complex form
Evolution
changes, modifications and variations in the genetics and inherited traits of biological populations from one generation to another
Biological Evolution
changes or development in cultures from a simple form to a more complex form of human culture
Cultural Evolution
Physical or anatomical evolution
Biological Evolution
Evolution involving lifestyle, behavior, etc.
Cultural Evolution
English naturalist and geologist who was famed for claiming the idea of natural selection being the reason of evolution
Charles Darwin
This theoretical idea states that the environment favors certain organisms ang those organisms that survive can pass on their traits
Natural Selection
3 Principles of Natural Selection
- Variations
- Heritability
- Differential reproductive success
All species are made up of individuals possessing various traits and characteristics, in which case some are better adapted to the environment than others
Variations
Organisms produce progeny with different sets of traits that can be inherited
Heritability
Organisms that have traits that are most suitable to their environment will survive and transfer said traits to the next generations
Differential reproductive success
Refers to preserved human, plant and animal remains
Fossils
Refers to objects that were made and used by humans
Artifacts
Study the ancient and recent past of humans conduct excavations to search for fossils and artifacts that can provide information about the origin of humans
Archaeologist
This is the general term used to identify early humans and other humanlike creatures that can walk erect during the prehistoric period
Hominids
4 Main Categories of Hominids
Sahelanthropus
Ardipithecus
Australopithecus
Homo
- apelike and humanlike characteristics
- skull similar to Australopithecus and modern humans
- height similar to chimpanzees
- brain size: 320-380cc
- small teeth and ability to walk upright
Sahelanthropus Tchadensis
6-7 million years ago
described as the “ape of the ground”
Ardipithecus
- about 4 feet, 120 pounds
- skull size similar to apes
- small brain
- bipeds
- lived in jungles and forests like chimpanzees
Ardipithecus
2 subtypes of Ardipithecus
Ardipithecus Kadabba
Ardipithecus Ramidus
“The Southern Ape”
Australopithecus
- brain size: est. 500cc or about 1/3 of the modern human brain
Australopithecus
Tool users and not tool makers. They used sticks and stones for digging
Australopithecus
Food scavengers who lived in small groups
Australopithecus
2 categories of Australopithecus
Gracile
Robust
Most famous hominid fossil
Lucy
Gracile Australopithecus Afarensis
Were classified as humans and not humanlike due to their bigger brains and bipedalism
Homo
3 subcategories of Homo
Habilis
Erectus
Sapiens
“handyman”
Homo Habilis
They used tools for hunting and food gathering. Made tools called Oldowan
Homo Habilis
Upright man
Homo Erectus
first homo species to use fire and live in caves
Homo Erectus
Walks upright and are skillful hunters
Homo Erectus
“thinking man”
Homo Sapiens
They lived in shelters, crafted materials, known food gatherers, animal hunters, and used fire.
Homo Sapiens
First group of fossil examples found for the Homo Sapiens sapiens species
Cro Magnon
Where was the name Cro Magnon taken from?
A rock shelter in France
oldest population of Homo sapiens in Europe. They were first found in Europe, but believed to first appear in North Africa
Cro Magnon
institutions that are primarily tasked to conserve, communicate and exhibit all material and non material heritages of human society
Museums
