Biological and Cultural Evolution From Australopithecus to Homo Sapiens Flashcards
A gradual development of something, specially from a simple to a more complex form.
EVOLUTION
Refers to the changes, modifications and variations in the genetics and inherited traits of biological populations from one generation to another
BIOLOGICAL EVOLUTION
Refers to the changes or development in cultures from a simple form to a more complex form of human culture.
CULTURAL EVOLUTION
An English naturalist and geologist; the mind behind “The Origin of Species”
CHARLES DARWIN
It was the reason for the occurrence of evolution.
Natural selection
The three principles of Natural Selection
Variations
Heritability
Differential Reproductive Success
Every species is made up of a variety of individuals wherein some are adapted to their environments compared to others.
Variations
Organisms produce progeny with different sets of traits that can be inherited.
Heritability
Organisms have traits that are most suitable to their environmental will survive and transfer these variations to their offspring in subsequent generations.
Differential Reproductive Success
Refers to preserved human, plant and animal remains.
FOSSILS
Refers to objects that were made and used by humans.
ARTIFACTS
Studies the ancient and recent past of humans; conducts excavations to search for fossils and artifacts that can provide information about the origin of humans.
ARCHAEOLOGIST
General term used to categorize a group of early humans that can walk erect during the pre historic period.
Hominids
General term used to categorize a group of early humans that can walk erect during the pre historic period.
Hominids
Four categories of Hominids
Sahelanthropus
Ardipithecus
Australopithecus
Homo
6-7 million years ago; They both had apelike and humanlike characteristics
Sahelanthropus Tchadensis
Their skull is similar to Australopithecus and modern humans, with height similar to chimpanzees
Sahelanthropus Tchadensis
Had the ability to walk upright
Sahelanthropus Tchadensis
small teeth
(brain size: 320-380cc)
“Ape of the ground”
Ardipithecus
Biped; Small brain; Skull size is similar to an ape; lives in a jungle and forests like chimpanzees
Ardipithecus
(Height: 4ft)
(Weight: 120 pounds)
Two known species under Ardipithecus
Ardipithecus kadabba
Ardipithecus ramidus
1-5 million years ago; “The Southern Ape”
a
1-5 million years ago; “The Southern Ape”
Australopithecus
Known as food scavengers; lived in small social groups; used sticks and stones for digging
Australopithecus
They are only tool users and not tool makers
Australopithecus
brain size: 500cc/1/3 of the modern human brain
Two major categories of Australopithecus
Gracile
Robust
Two major categories of Australopithecus
Gracile
Robust
Species in the Gracile Australopithecus classification
Australopithecus Africanus
Australopithecus Anamensis
Australopithecus Afarensis
Considered as one of modern human earliest ancestors and remains as the most famous Hominid fossil discovered.
Lucy (an Australopithecus Afarensis)
Species in the Robust Australopithecus classification
Australopithecus Aethiopicus
Australopithecus Robustus
Australopithecus Boisei
classified as humans and not humanlike creatures because they had bigger brains and were bipedal
Homo
Species under the Homo classification
Homo Habilis
Homo Erectus
Homo Sapiens
“handy man”
Homo habilis
used tool for hunting and food gathering;
Homo habilis
made the tool called “oldowan”
Homo habilis
(brain size: half the size of modern humans’)
(height: 3-4ft)
“upright man”
Homo erectus
species that walks upright, and are skillful hunters
Homo erectus
first homo species to use fire and live in a cave
Homo erectus
(height: 5ft)
(Brain size: 1000cc)
“thinking man”
Homo sapiens
used fire, hunted animals, ate plants and fruits, food gatherers, crafted materials, and lived in a shelter
Homo Sapiens
brain size: large, 1400cc
used fire, hunted animals, ate plants and fruits, food gatherers, crafted materials, and lived in a shelter
Homo Sapiens
brain size: large, 1400cc
The first examples of the first group of Homo sapiens
CRO MAGNON
First fossil skeleton to be considered as a species of the Homo sapiens sapiens
CRO MAGNON
“wise man”
Homo sapiens sapiens
“wise man”
Homo sapiens sapiens
Considered as the oldest population of Homo sapiens in Europe.
CRO MAGNON
first found in Europe/ but believed first found in North Africa
CRO MAGNON
51/2 inches in height, strong body and brain size -1400 cubic centimeters
Are institutions that are primarily tasked to conserve, communicate and exhibit all material and non material heritages of human society.
Museum
