Human Stuff Flashcards
Who are human’s closest relatives and how do we know?
Based on phylogeny, chimpanzees.
What are the big differences?
Brain has rapidly evolved altered gene expression. + walking upright which is much more efficient to cover long distance, may have been a result of climate change. Also can use tools and adapt unlike neanderthals (who had smaller culture sections)
Why did neanderthals go extinct?
They were probably wiped out by humans but also could have been killed by climate change though that would not entirely explain it.
How good of a theory is “out of Africa”?
Pretty good, but humans have also undergone changes outside of Africa like mating with neanderthals so it doesn’t explain everything. General idea is good though.
What is the evidence for “Out of Africa”?
All genetic variation is a subset of that found in Africa… small populations left taking with them their genetic variation.
