Early Homo

Question 1

Why was the naming of Homo habilis controversial?

Answer 1

1) Demonstarted that various genera and species hominin co-existed

2) Previously thought there was a neat evolutionary transition from Australopithecus africanus to Homo erectus to* Homo neanderthalensis *to Homo sapiens. Homo habilis doesnt fit this progression

3) Meant scientists had to redefine the genus Homo - had to accept it could have reduced brain size

Question 2

What were the critera created to count something as Homo?

Answer 2

Upright posture and bipedal gait

Brain size

Dexterity to fashion primitive tools

Speech - this was eventually ruled out as a criteria

Question 3

What are the differences between Homo rudolfensis and Homo habilis?

Answer 3

H. rudolfensis:

• Fairly large brain case
• Broad, flat face
• Slight brow ridge
• Broader postcanine teeth

H. habilis:

• Small brain case
• Small face, not very flat
• Strong, curved brow ridge
• More angulated occipital bone

Question 4

What was the interesting thing about Lucy’s child?

Answer 4

It is more ape-like than Lucy - presumed to be an asutralopithecine ancestor

Homo erectus is only 200,000 years younger but is much larger and more human-like

Question 5

What was early Homo like?

Answer 5

Larger brain, smaller face and smaller teeth than Australopithecus

Predominantly vegetarian, generally a soft fruit eater but small amounts of meat were probably scavenged

Not all early Homo were comitted bipedals - Homo habilis still was arboreal

Capable of very basic tool making

Question 6

When do the earlies stone tool artefacts appear?

Answer 6

2.5 MYA - coincides with the appearance of Homo