Cultural Evidence of Evolution from Ape-like Ancestors

Question 1

What is cultural evidence?

Answer 1

• the non-genetic means of adaptation

Question 2

What was the next major step in human evolution after bipedalism?

Answer 2

• tool-making

Question 3

What does tool-making mark?

Answer 3

• the first trait that is unique to the genus Homo

Question 4

How are hominin hands well adapted for tool-making?

Answer 4

• capable of fine manipulation and coordination

Question 5

What did tool-making lead to?

Answer 5

• new ways of getting food (e.g. the ability to crack open long bones, to dig and to sharpen or shape wooden implements)
• efficient hunting in organised groups with later more sophisticated tools (also required the development of good communication)

Question 6

What were the main indications of cultural evolution?

Answer 6

• tool-making
• cooperative hunting
• fire-making

Question 7

What does the use of fires indicate about the lifestyle of H. erectus in terms of social behaviour?

Answer 7

• fire led to social behaviour with the warmth and extended ‘daylight’ hours
• encouraged conversation and teaching

Question 8

What does the use of fires indicate about the lifestyle of H. erectus in terms of dwelling?

Answer 8

• offered more permanent (but still temporary) dwelling sites

Question 9

What does the use of fires indicate about the lifestyle of H. erectus in terms of protection?

Answer 9

• provided a measure of protection from predators at night

Question 10

What does the use of fires indicate about the lifestyle of H. erectus in terms of hunting?

Answer 10

• helped in cooperative hunting by herding animals away from fire

Question 11

What does the use of fires indicate about the lifestyle of H. erectus in terms of food?

Answer 11

• allowed for roast meat, making it more appetizing
• could have resulted in more protein being eaten, which may have aided brain development
• wider choice of food, leading to the invention of cooking

Question 12

What does the use of fires indicate about the lifestyle of H. erectus in terms of intelligence?

Answer 12

• indicated intelligence, as keeping a fire going shows forward planning

Question 13

What does the use of fires indicate about the lifestyle of H. erectus in terms of tools?

Answer 13

• enabled better, stronger tools to be made that would have led to more successful hunting

Question 14

What does the use of fires indicate about the lifestyle of H. erectus in terms of migration?

Answer 14

• would have been a factor that enabled H. erectus to migrate out of Africa and into colder climates in Europe and Asia

Question 15

What did the controlled use of fire mark and how?

Answer 15

• marked a crucial change in human behaviour
• showed they had the ability to adjust the environment to suit their needs