Fossil HomininsFossil Hominins

From Ardipithecus to HomoFrom Ardipithecus to Homo

Fossil Hominins: General Fossil Hominins: General Trends Toward Trends Toward Homo SapiensHomo Sapiens

Large bulbous craniumLarge bulbous cranium Short face compared to apeShort face compared to ape Vertical carriage of headVertical carriage of head Hands and Forelimbs Adapted to Tool Hands and Forelimbs Adapted to Tool

Making and UseMaking and Use Bipedal Structure of Postcranial SkeletonBipedal Structure of Postcranial Skeleton

Model of Human Evolution: Model of Human Evolution: Ardipithicus to AustralopithecinesArdipithicus to Australopithecines

Ardipithecus ramidus Ardipithecus ramidus to to AustralopithecinesAustralopithecines

Australopithecus afarensis to A. Australopithecus afarensis to A. africanusafricanus: Gracile Australopithecines: Gracile Australopithecines

Paranthropus robustus and boisei:Paranthropus robustus and boisei: Robust Australopithecines—Dead end?Robust Australopithecines—Dead end?

A. africanus A. africanus to to Homo habilisHomo habilis: Rise of : Rise of tool manufacture?tool manufacture?

Model of Human Evolution: Model of Human Evolution: Homo habilisHomo habilis to Sapients to Sapients

H. habilisH. habilis to to H. erectus: H. erectus: Global spread; Global spread; increased tool assemblageincreased tool assemblage

H. erectus H. erectus to to H. sapiens:H. sapiens: Tool Tool specialization and population explosionspecialization and population explosion

H. neanderthalensis: Dead end?H. neanderthalensis: Dead end? Homo sapiens: Homo sapiens: (Future) End of the (Future) End of the

Line?Line?

Fossil Trends: Encephalization Fossil Trends: Encephalization (Cranial Capacity Increase)(Cranial Capacity Increase)

Ardipithecus ramidus: Ardipithecus ramidus: ca. 300-350 cc. ca. 300-350 cc. Australopithecus. afarensis:Australopithecus. afarensis: 390-500 cc; 390-500 cc;

av. 440 ccav. 440 cc A. africanus: A. africanus: 435-530 cc; av. 450 cc435-530 cc; av. 450 cc A./P robustus: A./P robustus: 520 cc, one specimen520 cc, one specimen A.P. boisei: A.P. boisei: 500-530 cc; av. 515 cc.500-530 cc; av. 515 cc.

Ardipithecus ramidis: The “Rooted Ardipithecus ramidis: The “Rooted Ground Floor Ape”Ground Floor Ape”

Ardi: “Ground Floor” (Afar)Ardi: “Ground Floor” (Afar) Rama: “Root”Rama: “Root” Pithecus: “ape”Pithecus: “ape” Date: 4.4 million years Date: 4.4 million years

ago (mya)ago (mya) Location: Middle Awash Location: Middle Awash

River Valley, NE EthiopiaRiver Valley, NE Ethiopia Size: 120 cm (4 ft.)Size: 120 cm (4 ft.) Weight (est.) 50 kg (110 Weight (est.) 50 kg (110

lb.); heavier than Lucy lb.); heavier than Lucy

Ardipithecus ramidus: Ardipithecus ramidus: Reconstructed FeaturesReconstructed Features

Cranial capacity: 300-350 cc.Cranial capacity: 300-350 cc. Teeth: apelike with reduced Teeth: apelike with reduced

canines; probably omnivore canines; probably omnivore and/or fruit-eaterand/or fruit-eater

Significant prognathism Significant prognathism (projection of lower face)(projection of lower face)

Feet: opposable toe with no Feet: opposable toe with no archesarches

Quadrupedal in treesQuadrupedal in trees Faculative biped on the ground: Faculative biped on the ground:

could walk short distances.could walk short distances.

Ardipithecus Ramidus: OverviewArdipithecus Ramidus: Overview

Australopithecines and Homo: Australopithecines and Homo: OverviewOverview

Homo habilis to Homo sapiensHomo habilis to Homo sapiens

H. habilis: H. habilis: 500-800 cc; av. 680 cc.500-800 cc; av. 680 cc. H. erectus: H. erectus: 750-1250 cc; av. 1000 cc750-1250 cc; av. 1000 cc Neanderthal: 1300-1750 cc. av: 1450Neanderthal: 1300-1750 cc. av: 1450 H. (s.) sapiens: H. (s.) sapiens: 900-2350 cc. av. 1400900-2350 cc. av. 1400

Fossil Trends: Forelimbs and Fossil Trends: Forelimbs and HandsHands

Shortened forelimbShortened forelimb Hands (manipulation, not locomotion)Hands (manipulation, not locomotion) Enlarged thumbEnlarged thumb Straight, noncurved fingerStraight, noncurved finger Enhanced finger sensitivityEnhanced finger sensitivity

Fossil Hominins: General Fossil Hominins: General Trends--BipedalismTrends--Bipedalism

S-shaped vertebrae (backbone)S-shaped vertebrae (backbone) Short, wide, bowl-shaped pelvisShort, wide, bowl-shaped pelvis Femoral head (ball of femur at pelvis) Femoral head (ball of femur at pelvis)

angled and strengthenedangled and strengthened Lengthened hindlimbLengthened hindlimb Angle of knee: femur “slopes” to pelvisAngle of knee: femur “slopes” to pelvis Platform (arched) structure of footPlatform (arched) structure of foot Nonopposable big toe; toes not curved Nonopposable big toe; toes not curved

Lucy (Lucy (Australopithecus afarensisAustralopithecus afarensis) ) and Us (Homo sapiens)and Us (Homo sapiens)

Note the Following:Note the Following: Shorter (3’6”)Shorter (3’6”) Longer armsLonger arms Curved fingersCurved fingers Shorter lower legsShorter lower legs Greater prognathismGreater prognathism Sloped foreheadSloped forehead Smaller cranial capacitySmaller cranial capacity What are the Similarities?What are the Similarities? Hint: it’s all related to bipedalismHint: it’s all related to bipedalism

Bipedalism: A. afarensis and H. Bipedalism: A. afarensis and H. sapiens compared, Fine Pointssapiens compared, Fine Points

When We Became Bipedal When We Became Bipedal (According to Gary Larson)(According to Gary Larson)

““Hey! Look! No Hey! Look! No hands!”hands!”

(Does he look like (Does he look like Lucy to you. . .?)Lucy to you. . .?)

Gracile and Robust Gracile and Robust AustralopithecinesAustralopithecines

For For A. africanusA. africanus (top), note: (top), note: Somewhat rounder skullSomewhat rounder skull No Sagittal crestNo Sagittal crest Prognathous jawPrognathous jaw For Paranthropus boisei, note:For Paranthropus boisei, note: Sagittal crest (ate a lot of veggies)Sagittal crest (ate a lot of veggies) Massive lower jaw (mandible)Massive lower jaw (mandible) Flatter faceFlatter face Massive cheek bones (zygomatic Massive cheek bones (zygomatic

arch)arch)

Summary of AustralopithecinesSummary of Australopithecines

Cranial capacity increased marginallyCranial capacity increased marginally All australopithecines hadAll australopithecines had Sloping foreheadsSloping foreheads Prominent brow ridgesProminent brow ridges Prognathous lower face and jawsPrognathous lower face and jaws Bipedal postcranial skeletonsBipedal postcranial skeletons Robust forms probably were dead endsRobust forms probably were dead ends Graciles likely evolved toward Graciles likely evolved toward HomoHomo. .

Australopithecus and Homo Australopithecus and Homo Compared—Frontal ViewCompared—Frontal View

Left: Left: A. africanusA. africanus Right: Right: H. habilisH. habilis Note:Note: Different Cranial Different Cranial

CapacitiesCapacities Brow Ridge SizeBrow Ridge Size

Australopithecus and Homo Australopithecus and Homo Compared—Side ViewCompared—Side View

Top: A. africanusTop: A. africanus Bottom: H. habilisBottom: H. habilis Compare:Compare: Mass of JawsMass of Jaws Size of CraniaSize of Crania PrognathismPrognathism

Postorbital ConstrictionPostorbital Constriction

Left: Homo erectusLeft: Homo erectus Right: Australopithecus Right: Australopithecus

africanusafricanus Note the narrower Note the narrower

constriction of A. constriction of A. africanus’s postorbital africanus’s postorbital constriction than that constriction than that of H. erectusof H. erectus

Homo habilis: Homo habilis: The First Known The First Known ToolmakerToolmaker Note the following:Note the following: Face is much flatterFace is much flatter Reduced brow ridge (supraorbital Reduced brow ridge (supraorbital

torus) torus) Larger cranial capacity (680 cc.)Larger cranial capacity (680 cc.) Toolmaking TechniqueToolmaking Technique HammerstoneHammerstone used to strike used to strike A A core core (lump of stone) to knap(lump of stone) to knap A A Flake Flake (stone chip)(stone chip) Note: Note: Stone has to be crystalline Stone has to be crystalline

(so it will fracture predictably)(so it will fracture predictably)

Homo habilis According to Gary Homo habilis According to Gary LarsonLarson

Australopithecines and Homo Australopithecines and Homo Compared ICompared I

Cranial capacityCranial capacity Australopithecines: 400-530 ccAustralopithecines: 400-530 cc Homo: 500-2300Homo: 500-2300 Maximum braincase widthMaximum braincase width Australopithecines: low on skullAustralopithecines: low on skull Homo: near topHomo: near top Postorbital constrictionPostorbital constriction

Australopithecines: markedAustralopithecines: markedHomo: moderate to slight Homo: moderate to slight

Australopithecines and Homo Australopithecines and Homo Compared IICompared II

Supraorbital torus (brow ridge)Supraorbital torus (brow ridge) Australopithecines: large to moderateAustralopithecines: large to moderate Homo: large to slightHomo: large to slight Zygomatic archZygomatic arch Australopithecines: large, flaringAustralopithecines: large, flaring Homo: small, not flaringHomo: small, not flaring

Australopithecines and Homo Australopithecines and Homo Compared IIICompared III

Facial size relative to brain caseFacial size relative to brain case Australopithecines: largeAustralopithecines: large Homo: smallHomo: small JawJaw A: Massive and prognathic; no chinA: Massive and prognathic; no chin H: Not massiveH: Not massive Prognathism slight to nonexistent;Prognathism slight to nonexistent; Chin present in sapientsChin present in sapients Molars and premolarsMolars and premolars Australopithecines: large; Australopithecines: large; afarensisafarensis with diastema with diastema Homo: smallHomo: small

Australopithecines and Homo Australopithecines and Homo Habilis Compared: SkullsHabilis Compared: Skulls

General trendsGeneral trends Encephalization: Cranial capacity increasesEncephalization: Cranial capacity increases Dentition: Cheek teeth are reducedDentition: Cheek teeth are reduced Sagittal Crest (where chewing muscles Sagittal Crest (where chewing muscles

attach)attach) A./P. robustus and boisei: A./P. robustus and boisei: pronouncedpronounced A. africanus: A. africanus: sagittal keel or absentsagittal keel or absent H. habilis: H. habilis: absentabsent

Australopithecines and Homo Australopithecines and Homo Habilis Compared: Skull/FaceHabilis Compared: Skull/Face

BraincaseBraincase A./P. robustus/boisei: A./P. robustus/boisei: less roundedless rounded A. africanus: A. africanus: more roundedmore rounded H. habilis:H. habilis: most rounded of the three most rounded of the three Zygomatic archZygomatic arch A./P. robustus/boisei: very pronouncedA./P. robustus/boisei: very pronounced A. africanus: A. africanus: less pronouncedless pronounced H. habilis: H. habilis: far less pronounced than the far less pronounced than the

australopithecinesaustralopithecines

Homo habilis: Hands and FeetHomo habilis: Hands and Feet

HandsHands Curvature of finger bones are apelike, indicate Curvature of finger bones are apelike, indicate

powerful grip (arboreal)powerful grip (arboreal) Indications of greater manipulative skillIndications of greater manipulative skill Larger blood supply to hand than earlier Larger blood supply to hand than earlier

hominidshominids Evidence of greater nerve supplyEvidence of greater nerve supply Feet: existing fragments indicate modern form:Feet: existing fragments indicate modern form: Remains lacked toesRemains lacked toes

Tool Traditions: Oldowan Tool Traditions: Oldowan

Named after Olduvai GorgeNamed after Olduvai Gorge Among the finds at Olduvai:Among the finds at Olduvai: Side chopper, a core toolSide chopper, a core tool Several flake tools, includingSeveral flake tools, including End scraperEnd scraper Side scraperSide scraper BurinBurin Utilized flakes of unknown functionUtilized flakes of unknown function Belongs to Lower Paleolithic Belongs to Lower Paleolithic

Manufacturing ChoppersManufacturing Choppers

ProcedureProcedure Knapper strikes a spherical piece of stoneKnapper strikes a spherical piece of stone Flake falls off opposite sideFlake falls off opposite side Tool flipped over and procedure repeatedTool flipped over and procedure repeated Several blows create a cutting edgeSeveral blows create a cutting edge Requirements reflect IntelligenceRequirements reflect Intelligence Planning and foreknowledge of designPlanning and foreknowledge of design Knowledge of breakage pattern of rockKnowledge of breakage pattern of rock Hand-eye coordinationHand-eye coordination

Oldowan TraditionOldowan Tradition

End chopperEnd chopper Heavy duty scraperHeavy duty scraper Flake scraperFlake scraper Spheroid Spheroid

HammerstoneHammerstone ChopperChopper Horn core tool or Horn core tool or

diggerdigger

Homo habilis and Homo erectusHomo habilis and Homo erectus

Compared to Compared to H. habilis, H erectus H. habilis, H erectus had:had: Larger brain (1000 cc vs 680 cc average)Larger brain (1000 cc vs 680 cc average) Forehead flatter, less slopingForehead flatter, less sloping More rounded occipital torusMore rounded occipital torus endocasts indicate hemispheric endocasts indicate hemispheric

asymmetryasymmetry Homo erectus and Homo sapiensHomo erectus and Homo sapiens

Homo erectusHomo erectus or or ergasterergaster

Note:Note: Apelike but larger craniumApelike but larger cranium Postcranial SkeletonPostcranial Skeleton Vertebrae: S ShapedVertebrae: S Shaped Ribcage: Not funnel shaped, now Ribcage: Not funnel shaped, now

like ourslike ours Pelvis: Bowl shapedPelvis: Bowl shaped Angle of ThighboneAngle of Thighbone

Homo erectus and Homo Homo erectus and Homo Sapiens: Cranium (Braincase)Sapiens: Cranium (Braincase)

Forehead (Frontal)Forehead (Frontal) H. erectus: H. erectus: sloping; low and flatsloping; low and flat H. sapiens: H. sapiens: vertical, indicating frontal lobevertical, indicating frontal lobe Supraorbital torus (brow ridge)Supraorbital torus (brow ridge) H. erectus: H. erectus: prominent--extending as a barprominent--extending as a bar H. sapiens: H. sapiens: slight or absentslight or absent Occipital torus:Occipital torus: H. erectus: H. erectus: presentpresent H. sapiens: H. sapiens: slight or absentslight or absent

Homo erectus and Homo Homo erectus and Homo sapiens: Cranium and Facesapiens: Cranium and Face

Sagittal keelSagittal keel H. erectus: H. erectus: present; vestige of crest?present; vestige of crest? H. sapiens: H. sapiens: slight or absentslight or absent Postorbital constrictionPostorbital constriction H. erectus: H. erectus: pronouncedpronounced H. sapiens: H. sapiens: slight or nonexistentslight or nonexistent

Homo erectus and Homo Homo erectus and Homo sapiens: Facial Skeletonsapiens: Facial Skeleton

Facial skeletionFacial skeletion H. erectus: H. erectus: Relatively large, with large Relatively large, with large

orbits and nasal openingorbits and nasal opening H. sapiens: H. sapiens: Relatively small, with small Relatively small, with small

orbits and nasal openingorbits and nasal opening Prognathism (jutting jaw)Prognathism (jutting jaw) H. erectus: H. erectus: PronouncedPronounced H. sapiens: H. sapiens: minimal or nonexistentminimal or nonexistent

Homo erectusHomo erectus and and Homo sapiensHomo sapiens skullsskulls

Compare:Compare: Brow ridges (supraorbital tori)Brow ridges (supraorbital tori) PrognathismPrognathism Constriction behind eye sockets (postorbital constriction)Constriction behind eye sockets (postorbital constriction) Presence versus absence of chinPresence versus absence of chin

Tool Traditions: AcheuleanTool Traditions: Acheulean

Named after St. AcheulNamed after St. Acheul Characteristics of Acheulean handaxeCharacteristics of Acheulean handaxe Bifacial: both sides knappedBifacial: both sides knapped Symmetrical in breadthSymmetrical in breadth Shaped to a point on one endShaped to a point on one end The edge is thin and sharpThe edge is thin and sharp Broad end is curved, but edge is still sharpBroad end is curved, but edge is still sharp Part of Lower Paleolithic Part of Lower Paleolithic

Acheulean Axe as “Swiss Army Acheulean Axe as “Swiss Army Knife”; Abbevillean variationKnife”; Abbevillean variation

Swiss Army Rock?Swiss Army Rock? Sharp tip: used for piercingSharp tip: used for piercing Thin edge: used for cutting (hide or meat off Thin edge: used for cutting (hide or meat off

bone)bone) Broad end: used for chopping or scrapingBroad end: used for chopping or scraping Abbevillean Variation:Abbevillean Variation: Bifacial, like the AcheuleanBifacial, like the Acheulean Not quite so symmetricalNot quite so symmetrical Olduvai specimen: transitional type?Olduvai specimen: transitional type?

Manufacturing Acheulean Manufacturing Acheulean HandaxesHandaxes

A demanding taskA demanding task Symmetrical, finely shapedSymmetrical, finely shaped Dozens of flakes removed, from 25 to 75Dozens of flakes removed, from 25 to 75 Each flake blow must be precisely positionedEach flake blow must be precisely positioned Core must be turned over again and againCore must be turned over again and again to maintain symmetryto maintain symmetry to keep edge straightto keep edge straight All the exterior rind (All the exterior rind (cortexcortex) was removed ) was removed

Abbevillian and Acheulean Abbevillian and Acheulean HandaxesHandaxes

Left: Abbevillian. Note asymmetry, rough retouchLeft: Abbevillian. Note asymmetry, rough retouch Right: Acheulean. Note symmetry, fine retouchRight: Acheulean. Note symmetry, fine retouch

Homo heidelbergensisHomo heidelbergensis or or “Archaic” “Archaic” Homo sapiensHomo sapiens

Left: Skull. Note heavy brow ridge, prognathismLeft: Skull. Note heavy brow ridge, prognathism Right: Mandible. Note arc-like dental arcade, absence Right: Mandible. Note arc-like dental arcade, absence

of diastema, absence of chin of diastema, absence of chin

Manufacturing Levallois Cores Manufacturing Levallois Cores and Flakesand Flakes

KnappersKnappers Draw outline of flake on stone moduleDraw outline of flake on stone module Strikes flake of desired shapeStrikes flake of desired shape Requires knowledge of breakage pattern of Requires knowledge of breakage pattern of

rockrock Prepares rock beforehand to control how rock Prepares rock beforehand to control how rock

breaks when struckbreaks when struck Ensure right shape (e.g. cutting, perforation, Ensure right shape (e.g. cutting, perforation,

piercing) is struckpiercing) is struck

Levallois Flake and Flaking Levallois Flake and Flaking TechniqueTechnique

Homo neanderthalensisHomo neanderthalensis: Skeleton: Skeleton

Left:Left: Homo Homo neanderthalensisneanderthalensis

RightRight: : Homo sapiensHomo sapiens CompareCompare Relative thickness of Relative thickness of

bonesbones Breadth of ribcagesBreadth of ribcages Size of skullsSize of skulls

Homo neanderthalensis: Homo neanderthalensis: CraniumCranium

Left:Left: H. neanderthalensisH. neanderthalensis: note larger cranial size, occipital bun, : note larger cranial size, occipital bun, prognathism, brow ridgeprognathism, brow ridge

RightRight: : H. sapiensH. sapiens: Note rounded cranium, presence of chin, absence of : Note rounded cranium, presence of chin, absence of prognathism and brow ridgeprognathism and brow ridge

Mousterian TraditionMousterian Tradition

Positively identified with NeanderhalsPositively identified with Neanderhals Le Moustier, France is a Neanderthal siteLe Moustier, France is a Neanderthal site Belongs to Belongs to Middle PaleolithicMiddle Paleolithic More sophisticated than Oldowan or More sophisticated than Oldowan or

Acheulean, both Acheulean, both Lower PaleolithicLower Paleolithic

Mousterian Tool AssemblageMousterian Tool Assemblage

Sample includes Scrapers, Points, and Sample includes Scrapers, Points, and HandaxesHandaxes

Upper Paleolithic: The Great Upper Paleolithic: The Great Leap Forward?Leap Forward?

Probably begins about 50,000 BPProbably begins about 50,000 BP Primary AttributesPrimary Attributes Shift from flake tools to bladesShift from flake tools to blades Subsistence on greater range of animal Subsistence on greater range of animal

and plant speciesand plant species Larger sitesLarger sites Increase of bone, antler, ivory, shell, and Increase of bone, antler, ivory, shell, and

other materials for toolsother materials for tools

Upper Paleolithic: Associated Upper Paleolithic: Associated AttributesAttributes

Associated AttributesAssociated Attributes Greater use of “imported” goods: Greater use of “imported” goods: raw materials obtainable only fromraw materials obtainable only from great distances from inhabited sitesgreat distances from inhabited sites which suggests tradewhich suggests trade More elaborate burials, with grave goodsMore elaborate burials, with grave goods Appearance and elaborate use of symbols Appearance and elaborate use of symbols

and works of art.and works of art.

Upper Paleolithic: The BladesUpper Paleolithic: The Blades

Blades begin roughly 40,000 Years BPBlades begin roughly 40,000 Years BP Comparative efficiencyComparative efficiency Levallois cores may produce 5 flakesLevallois cores may produce 5 flakes Many more blades could be produced from Many more blades could be produced from

same core--and with longer cutting edgesame core--and with longer cutting edge Unlike other traditions, blade traditions are Unlike other traditions, blade traditions are

shorter livedshorter lived Oldowan: from ca.2.5 m. yrs BP Oldowan: from ca.2.5 m. yrs BP Acheulean: from ca 1.9 m. yrs BPAcheulean: from ca 1.9 m. yrs BP

Upper Paleolithic AssemblageUpper Paleolithic Assemblage

Upper Paleolithic Tools (left to right): biconical bone Upper Paleolithic Tools (left to right): biconical bone point, Perigordian flint blade, prismatic blade core, point, Perigordian flint blade, prismatic blade core, Soluterean Willow leaf point, double-row barbed Soluterean Willow leaf point, double-row barbed harpoon point (various sites in France)harpoon point (various sites in France)

Homo florensiensisHomo florensiensis

Small skull found in Liang Bua Cave, Flores Small skull found in Liang Bua Cave, Flores Island, Indonesia, in 2004Island, Indonesia, in 2004

Other specimens found since thenOther specimens found since then Age range: 18,000 to 74,000 BPAge range: 18,000 to 74,000 BP Main attributes: rounded skull, chinless Main attributes: rounded skull, chinless

mandible, hominin postcranial skeletal partsmandible, hominin postcranial skeletal parts Fauna: Komodo dragons (large lizards), small Fauna: Komodo dragons (large lizards), small

elephantlike stegodons, and giant ratselephantlike stegodons, and giant rats Artifacts: Several small stone implements of Artifacts: Several small stone implements of

sizes appropriate to sizes appropriate to H. florensisH. florensis. .

Homo Floresiensis: The Homo Floresiensis: The ControversyControversy

Microcephalic human or separate Microcephalic human or separate species?species?

Same species: absence of thyroid Same species: absence of thyroid gland essential to growth, other gland essential to growth, other features similar to sapient form.features similar to sapient form.

Different species: no chin, skull Different species: no chin, skull structure similar to H. erectusstructure similar to H. erectus

Further debate: see pp. 314-315, Further debate: see pp. 314-315, Park textPark text

Overall consensus: likely a separate Overall consensus: likely a separate species but not all share in that species but not all share in that conclusionconclusion

To Sum Up: Representatives of To Sum Up: Representatives of Five SpeciesFive Species

The species:The species: 1. Australopithecus 1. Australopithecus

afarensisafarensis 2. Australopithecus 2. Australopithecus

africanusafricanus 3. Homo habilis3. Homo habilis 4. Homo erectus4. Homo erectus 5. Homo 5. Homo

neanderthalensisneanderthalensis