Lecture 13 - Homo erectus - out of Africa 1

Question 1

what was discovered in 1985?

Answer 1

Turkana boy - Homo ergaster/erectus
1.5 ma
virtually complete skeleton
definite biped
built like a human but stronger

Question 2

where is Homo erectus predominantly found?

Answer 2

outside of Africa

Question 3

Where is Homo ergaster generally found?

Answer 3

African Rift Valley

Question 4

is the Homo clade monyphyletic?

Answer 4

yes

Question 5

which Homo species migrates into Eurasia?

Answer 5

Homo erectus

Question 6

how long did it take erectus to migrate to china?

Answer 6

25,000 years - 15km each generation

Question 7

what was H. erectus/ergaster like?

Answer 7

• robust and heavily muscled
• strongly bipedal
• lifespan up to 52 years!
• decreasing sexual dimorphism - may reflect change in social structure / dynamics
• development of molars - extended childhood / increased parental care as juvenile stage longer

Question 8

Brain capacities of A. and H. habilis, erectus and sapien?

Answer 8

A. = 400cc
habilis = 650 cc
erectus = 850 cc
sapien = 1350 cc

Question 9

Homo erectus/ergaster was a new grade of hominin with?

Answer 9

• first indication of extended childhood
• first migration of hominins beyond Africa
• systematic tool making
• first appearance of systematic hunting
• first appearance of home bases
• first use of fire

Question 10

after oldowan tools what new technology follows?

Answer 10

Acheulian

Question 11

Acheulian tools

Answer 11

more refined - higher degree of conceptualism

well manufactured

Question 12

where do acheulian tools appear?

Answer 12

Africa
Israel
Europe
*not East Asia

Question 13

what is the movius line?

Answer 13

distinct line on the globe showing where bifaces are found and where they are’nt

Question 14

what is a biface?

Answer 14

tool - stone implement flaked on both faces

key tool in acheulian tools