Chapter 1- Becoming Human Flashcards
Creation Narratives
Narratives constructed by different cultures that draw on their belief systems and available evidence to explain the origins of the world and humanity
What evolved into modern humans?
Hominids
What was the first modern human?
Homosapiens
Hominids
The “family” in scientific classification, that includes gorillas, chimps, and humans
Evolution
The process by which species of plants and animals change over time. As a result of favoring through reproduction certain treats that are useful
Australopithecines
Hominid species including anamensis, afarensis, and Africanus, appearing in Africa four million years ago
Adaptation
The ability to alter behavior and innovate
Homo Habilis
(Skillful human) Species, confined to Africa, whose toolmaking ability truly made it the forerunner
Homo Erectus
(Standing human) Species that migrated out of Africa, walked upright, had a large brain, and mastered fire
Homo Sapiens
The first human emerged in Africa as early as 300,000 years ago. They had bigger brains and greater dexterity than previous hominid species, whom they eventually eclipsed
Why were homo sapiens better suited to survive than homo Erectus?
Because of greater cognitive and language skills
What happened when homo sapiens migrated to America?
After they migrated the glaciers melted and the land bridge disappeared. Eventually cutting off the first Americans from their Afro-Eurasian origins
What was the last evolutionary process of becoming human?
The complex linguistic expression
Hunting and Gathering
Lifestyles in which food is acquired through hunting
Domestication
Bringing a wild animal or plant under human control
