Being Human Q-Define human and identify when we can see it in the archaelogical record

Question 0

Human characteristics: Bipedalism

Answer 0

Bipedalism means walking on two feet where the knee has the ability to lock. The locking knee facilitates the ability to stand for extended periods of time.

-This physical trait is first identified with Australopithecus 5 mya ago.

Question 1

Define human

Answer 1

The four characteristics that anthropologists generally use to define human are; bipedalism, tool manufacture, large brain, and culture.

Question 2

Human characteristics: Tool manufacture

Answer 2

Humans are the only animal that makes tools in a repetitive and regular manner. Other animals may use tool, but only humans make them.

-Tool manufacture is first identified with Homo Habilis some 2.5 million years ago.

Question 3

Human characteristics: Large Brain

Answer 3

The ability to make tools and verbally communicate requires a large brain.

• Homo sapiens(us) have a brain size of 1200 cc.
• The large brain (900 cc) is first recognized with Homo Erectus some 2 million years ago.

Question 4

Human characteristics: Culture

Answer 4

Culture is humanities greatest survival tool. It is adaptive

-it is through culture that we develop successful means to interact with our enviroment. We interact with the environment for safety, to gather food, and to build shelters.

Question 5

When do we see the appearance of human.

Answer 5

Homo sapiens sapiens, in the middle Paleolithic (400,000 year ago)