The hominins Flashcards
What is hominins
this group includes modern humans and their bipedal ancestors.
What is hominids
This includes human ancestors + great apes.
Natural Selection
in a group organisms characterisitics that are more favourable allow the to survive until repoductive age
Culture Evolution
Can be seen in the gradual improvement in tools, better methods for resources-> more higher complex culture
General use Tools
Allows species to exploit resources in a broader range of habitats
Gracile V Robust
Gracile-> lightly built, includes Australopithecus Afarensis and Australopithecus Africanus, Lived only in South Africa, may be the ancestors of genus Homo
Robust-> heavily built, includes paranthropus Robust and Paranthropus Boisei, Lived in both south and east africa, lived up to 1 mya- 1.5 mya-> thus no descendants left.
Australopithecus Afarensis
Description-> earliest/ most primitive form of hominin (lucy)
Time frame/ location-> 2.5 mya- 3.7 mya East Africa
General Size-> F: 100-110 cm M 140cm-150 cm 30-70kg
Skull features-> Prominent prognathism, Diastema present, lack of chin, lack of forehead (low) , larger teeth then modern humans, flared zygomatic arch.
Post Cranial Skeleton-> Adapted to bipeadilsm ( upright stance) , centrally placed foreman magnum, all post cranial skeleton adaptations for bipeadlism
Long arms are retained, curved fingers and toes ( possibly to retreat to higher ground/ trees)
Culture-> no evident culture ( human-like)
Diet-> mostly vegetarian
Hunting-> No proper hunting-> foraged for food-> possbily using non-durable material as simple pebble tools.
Use of fire-> none
Shelter-> dwells in trees and possibly home bases
Cranial capacity-> 400-500cm^3 ( small)
Australopithecus Africanus
TIme frame and location-> 2 mya- 3 mya, South africa
General size-> F: 110 cm M: 140-150cm. 30-55k ( light)
Skull Features-> Still has prognathism, low forehead, no more diastema, flare zygomatic arch, less browridge, smaller canines, smaller teeth then Afarensis
Post cranial Skeleton-> Adapted to bipedalism( upright stance), centrally placed foreman magnum, all post cranial adaptations are for Bipedalism.
less curved fingers and toes
Cultural-> none
Use of fire-> none
Huntin-> no hunting just foraging-> ocassional use of non- durable material to make simple pebble tools
Cranial capacity-> 420cm-500cm^3 slightly larger in size in comparison to A. afarensis.
Paranthropus Robustus
Time frame and location-> 1.5mya- 2.0 mya. Eastern and Southern Africa
General Size->Robust/ heavily built
140cm-170cm (tall). 40-80kg ( heavier)
Skull features-> sagittal crest on top skull ( attacment of jaw muscles), Less prognathism, brow ridges are still present, low forehead, with large/ robust molar and pre-molar teeth, flared zygomatic arch ( for large jaw muscles)
Post Cranial Skeleton-> Adapted to bipedalism ( upright stance), centrally placed foreman magnum, all post cranial skeleton adaptations are for bipedalism
Maintain long arms and less curved fingers and toes
EVERYTHING ELSE IS SAME AS Australopitehcus’s
Cranial Capacity= 530cm^3 ( larger)
Homo habilis
~ First maker of stone tools
Time frame and location-> 1.7mya- 2.3 mya Mainly Eastern Africa- can be southern Africa
Skull Features -> No diastema, smaller jaw, Larger brain= Larger cranium, smaller teeth ( more like modern day humans), flatter face, less browridge, slight swell on broca area= possbile indication of rudimentary language ( however larynx might not of been able to make complex sounds)
Post Cranial Skeleton-> Bipedalism ( upright stance)-> taller thus longer femurs, hands more human-like then ape-like, retained long arms and slightly curved fingers and toes.
Diet-> became omnivores ( mainly vegetarian however slight variation of meat into their diet-> due to them scavenging meat from carcasses-> use of scrapper and cutter tools
Introduction of meat into their diet-> may cause the increase in brain size-> more proteins and fats = more developed and complex brain= brain size increase?
Hunting-> scavenged meat thus first maker of stone tools; Oldowan tools-> pebble is struck with another pebble forming shaper edges-> some evidence of chisels and flakes.
Communication-> Rudimentary
Cranial Capacity-> 630 cm^3 (500-800)
Homo erectus
Ancestors of Homo sapiens
Key advancements-> Cooperative hunting, Fire, Shelters
Time frame/ location-> 1 million- 300,000 years ago Found in Asia and Africa ( possibly Europe)
Migration possibly due to change in diet)
Skull Features-> Large brain= larger cranium, Defined brow ridges, elongated skull ( more to occiputal), Small teeth, defined central ridge, Prognathism in upper jaw( less then habilis)
Post cranial Skeleton-> adapted for upright bipedalism-> increased in height
Diet-> introduced more meat into their diet ( more efficient hunting due to cooperation between individuals) -> now are omnivores.
Hunting-> Butchuring sites were discovered -> for larger animals
Hunting cooperation has increased ( Hunting- gatherer lifestyle)
use of Acheulean tools-> skillful crafting of stone tools; tear shaped hand axes ( secondary flaking) on edges
-> predetermined pattern with role in mind.
-> Hit one side then working down the opposite side creating a two face lump
Axes are used for stabbing and defense= increase survival rate= increse independance. ( systematic use of axe)
Use of fire= first to introduce fire.= started to use the fire to kill parasites
the protection and light produced by the fires increased the chances of migration.
Shelter-> digressed from trees and instead used shelters and hunts= this is too act as protection= increasing chances of survival.
Communication-> due to hunting cooperation. more complex communication is needed ( larger Broca area/ more swelling)
Social organisations become more complex-> hunter gathere life style is active, divison of labour is clear.
Cranial capacity-> 1020 cm^3
Homo Neanderthalensis
Description-> discovered as evolved in europe during ice age
Time frame/ location-> 30000-200000 years ago in Europe and middle east.
General Size-> 150cm-170cm. 70kg
Skull features-> Chin is more defined, slight prognathism , reduced brow ridge ( less then H. Erectus), large nose, cheek bones are swepted back, Large brain= large cranium ( possibly due to cold climate), depression at back of skull
Post cranial skeleton-> adapted to bipedalism ( upright position)-> increased height.
Limbs are shorter however robust joints, more powerful limbs, barrel shaped ribs, more leg musckles=> needed for more efficient hunting, required fpr the harsh conditions
Diet-> omnivore however leaned towards a more meaty
Hunting-> More skilled hunting force-> hunted large packs of animals= more complex is needed for mutual cooperation.
Use Mousterian tools-> stone tools but more refined then acheulean, more flakes included for more specific roles.
Trim specific rock until its disc shaped and struck by another rock creating flakes ( levallois) , leaving one side flat but had sharp edges ( some had hafting)
ritual-> cared for disabled and elderyly, had burial ceremoony, used pigmkentatioon as body decoration, ritaulistic cannabilsim
made clothing from hide skin.
Cranial Capacity-> 1500cm^3
Homo Sapiens
Description-> present day humans
300000 years ago till now ( may of coexisted with the homo- neanderthalensis)
Establishe in Europe 30,000 years ago
General size -> 175 cm 75kg
Skeletal features-> little to none prognathism, most domed shape, less brow-ridge, defined chin, equal teeth sizes, no diastema, flatter face, high vertical forehead
Post cranial skeleton- taller then neanderthalensis-> taller more slender
long legs in comparison to arms-> straight finger straigh toes, less barrel shape ( more gracile)
Diet-> omnivore ( balanced diet)
Hunting-> More specilisation -> improved hunting technique.
more consisten gathering of resources due to less harsh conditions.
Developemnt of punch corer technique-> uniform blades can be produce.
Specilized tools made made from bone and ivoy ( hooks , harpoons, spears and needls= indicate improved hunting ( hafting)
focused on rework for duribility and sharpness.
Aurignacian-> Solutrean-> magdalenian
Aurignacian ( blade tools )->
Used prepared core over crude flakes
parallel side
Solutrean->made through pressure flaking
Magdalenian-> made from bones, ivory, antlers using flint and stone.
-> made for burin, needles, fishing hooks
Shelter-> Permanent shelters-> introduction of villgers, towns, cities
Art-> introduction of portable and mural art-> sculptures, engravings, cave art ( possible way of communication), body decoration like pigmentation.
Rituals-> ceremonial belief, caraed for young, elderly and disabled.
Extreme complex spiritual and religious belief.
Agricutlure-> the agriculture revolution.
started 12,000 years ago
switched from a nomadic lifestyle to a permanent life style (farmer).
-> increase stable food supply= more people could be supported= increased survival= population increased.
-> changed from nomadic to permanent life style due to proper fertile soil, adequete rain fall, warming of climate.
Cranial capacity-> 1400 cm^3
