Human Evolution

Question 1

Biological evolution in humans include…

Answer 1

Structural adaptations (bipedalism, manipulative hands, brain development), physicological (internal temp regualtions), instinctive behaviours (reflexes). this evolution is determined by natrual selection and slow genetic change.

Question 2

Hominins are…

Answer 2

a subgroup of hominids including all living and fossil species belonging to the human lineage. A distinguishing features of hominins is bipedalism

Question 3

Cultural evolution results from… Aspects are… Cultural evolution tends to be… However, it depends on…

Answer 3

Cultrual evolution results from the transission of learned knowledge from one generation to another. Knowledge results from higher level thinking and is stored as memory or written form - including ideas, beliefs and customs. Aspects of this are tool technology, controlled use of fire, langauge, religion, art, spirituality, politics, farming, settlements, food gathering, music, science, and maths. Cultrual evolution tends to be rapid and accelerates. However, it depends on a complex brain and an ability to learn adn communicate whcih are results of biological evolution.

Question 4

Bipedal adaptations include:

Answer 4

1. Centralisation of foramen magnum
2. reduction of nuchal crest
3. Flattening of the ribcage
4. during of the spine in to an S
5. bowling of the pelvis
6. elongation of the lower limbs
7. increase in valus angle (femur-knee joint)
8. enlargement of lateral femoral condyle
9. big toe is forward facing and develompent of longitudinal arch

Question 5

Advantages of bipedalism are…

Answer 5

height advantage (spot predators), efficient long distance (hunting), freeing of hands, thermoregulation (reduction in body hair and exposure to sun)

Question 6

Disadvantages of bipedalism are…

Answer 6

increased curvature of the back (chronic lower back problems), more stress on hips and knees, stress on feet (flat feet), varicose veins, birth difficulties, offspring are largely helpless