human evolution how did we get here?. controversy 1871 darwin published a second book “the descent...
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Human Evolution
How did we get here?
Controversy• 1871 Darwin published a
second book “The Descent of Man”
• Argued humans are related to African Apes (gorilla & chimpanzee - primates)
What are Primates?Characteristics:• Five flexible
fingers• Opposable
thumbs• Grip objects
• Seize food• Have hair• Nurse young
w/milk• Large Brains
Humans & Apes• Apes we descended from are
extinct• Closest relatives of humans
are hominids• Humans & chimps are 96%
genetically similar
What are hominids?
• Primates (man like)• Walked upright on
two legs Bipedal
Apes vs. Monkeys• Apes are NOT monkeys• Apes have larger brain• Apes do not have tails• Existing Apes: Gibbons,
Orangutans, Gorillas, Bonobos & Chimpanzees
Gibbon Bonobos
Out of Africa Theory• Modern humans evolved in
Africa between 100,000 and 200,000 years ago
• Members of one branch leaving Africa about 100,000 years ago.
• Supported by mitochondrial DNA analysis since mitochondrial DNA changes every little over time.
• Humans Today - Nearly identical DNA
Out of Africa Theory