Early Hominids Lesson 2 Flashcards
cave paintings
where prehistoric humans left clues about their lives
hominids
prehistoric humans; early ancestor of humans
Paleoanthropologists
specialize in studying the development and culture of the earliest hominids. (Paleo means “ancient.”)
skeleton
the bones that make up the body of a person or animal
B.C.E.
Before the common Era (also known as B.C.)
C.E.
Common Era (same as A.D.)
anthropologist
scientist who studies human development and culture
Australopithecus afarensis
southern ape; the earliest known group of hominids found in Africa (where Lucy’s bones were found)
capability
ability or skill (to walk on two legs)
trait
a special feature or characteristic]
Homo habilis
second group of hominids that was discovered by the husband and wife team of Louis and Mary Leakey; called Handy Man because of their ability to make tools; found in Africa
Homo erectus
third type of hominid was discovered in 1891 by a Dutchman named Eugene Dubois; called Upright Man because they stood upright. Longest living hominid group. first hominids to migrate out of Africa. Their remains have been found in both Asia and Europe. Were toolmakers; greatest advantages was the ability to use fire
migrate
to move from one geographic region to another
Homo sapiens neanderthalensis/Neanderthal Man
found by mine workers in Germany’s Neander Valley; lived in Africa, Europe, and parts of western Asia
community
a group of people who live in the same area and are united by common interests
