Lecture 12 - early Homo

Question 1

where were the first of the genus Homo (Homo erectus) discovered?

Answer 1

java and china

• java man
• peking man

Question 2

what was discovered in 1960-65 by the Leakey family?

Answer 2

Homo habilis (1.75ma)

Question 3

in what 3 main ways did the naming of Homo habilis cause controversy?

Answer 3

1. demonstrates that various genera and species of hominin coexisted
2. it was previously considered that human evolution was a linear progression - seemed to be insufficient morphological space between A. africanus and H. habilis
3. meant we had to redefine the genus Homo (accept it could have reduced brainsize)

Question 4

What does it mean to be Homo?

Answer 4

• upright posture and bipedal gait
• brainsize
• dexterity to fashion primitive tools

Question 5

what does R. Leakey find in 1972?

Answer 5

older member of Homo (1.9ma) - H. rudolfensis

Question 6

what is discovered in 1986?

Answer 6

Lucy’s child

• more ape like than Lucy
• H.erectus is only 200,000 years younger but is much larger and more human like

Question 7

what are the 4 species in Homo?

Answer 7

1. rudolfensis - 2.5-1.9 ma
2. habilis - 2.1 - 1.5 ma
3. ergaster - 1.9 - 1.4 ma
4. erectus - 1.4 - 0.3 ma

Question 8

what is generally considered the sister group to Homo clade?

Answer 8

africanus

Question 9

what were the 2 earliest Homo species in Africa?

Answer 9

rudolfensis and habilis

Question 10

what are the earliest tools referred to as?

Answer 10

Oldowan artifacts