Evolution Of Consciousness Flashcards
What is human evolution?
The process through which our species, Homo sapiens, developed from early hominins into complex beings.
What are the characteristics of the Hadean Era?
Formation of the Earth; conditions unsuitable for life.
What significant development occurred during the Archean Era?
Emergence of prokaryotic life (bacteria and archaea).
What are stromatolites?
Layered structures formed by microbial communities.
What key event marks the Proterozoic Era?
Appearance of eukaryotic cells, which are more complex and contain a nucleus.
What is the Cambrian Explosion?
Rapid emergence of most major animal phyla within a short geological time span.
What does Darwin’s Dilemma highlight?
Gaps in the fossil record that make it challenging to trace early evolutionary history.
What are primitive reflexes?
Early vertebrates exhibited responses to environmental stimuli.
Such as flinching at sudden sounds or light
What is the function of the limbic system?
Crucial for emotions and memory.
What are the characteristics of Australopithecus?
First obligate biped, exhibiting adaptations for walking upright.
What significant behaviors did hominins begin to exhibit?
Tool-making and dietary changes.
Fill in the blank: The advantages of bipedalism include _______.
Increased capacity for brain development due to changes in anatomy.
What technological advancement is associated with early humans?
The development of hand axes and other tools for hunting and processing food.
What dietary shift did early hominins experience?
From frugivory to carnivory.
What culinary advance did the control of fire provide?
Increased nutrient availability through cooking food.
What does the Social Brain Hypothesis suggest?
Larger brain sizes correlate with increased social complexity.
What are proto-languages?
The evolution of language from primitive sounds to structured communication.
What is significant about cave art found in Blombos Cave?
It showcases early human creativity and dates back 73,000 years.
True or False: The phrase ‘What a piece of work is a man!’ reflects human cognitive abilities.
True
What themes are explored in the song ‘Shine On You Crazy Diamond’?
Brilliance and potential, mental illness and distress, conflict and isolation, desperation and hope.
What literary device is used in the phrase ‘shine on’?
Repetition, emphasizing a longing for the subject to reclaim their brilliance.
What implications for mental health are highlighted in the song?
The complexities of mental health in individuals who experience extreme highs and lows.
What does the ‘crazy diamond’ symbolize?
The unique yet fragile nature of individuals grappling with mental illness.
What does the analysis of ‘Shine On You Crazy Diamond’ celebrate?
The beauty of individuality while recognizing the challenges of fame and expectation.
