Human Origins in Africa

Chapter 1.1

Describe key scientific findings about human origins

List human achievements during the Stone Age

Describe the emergence of modern humans

I will be able to:

Records cover only the last 5,000 years or so of human life on earth.

Archaeologists use special skills and tools to piece together things older than that

Archeologists at Work

Artifacts: Tools, jewelry, or other objects modified by human hands.

Artifacts vs Fossils

Fossils: Bones preserved in stone

Evidence shows that the first hominids originated in Africa more than 3 million years ago.

Mary Leakey found the footprints of humanlike beings in the region of Laetoli

Out of Africa

“Lucy”

In 1974, Donald Johanson discovered the nearly-complete skeleton of Australopithecus Afarensis, which he nicknamed "Lucy"

Lucy walked upright, had an opposable thumb and was dated back to 3.5 million years BCE

Early hominids walked upright

Could travel long distances

Used free arms to carry food, tools, and children.

Could move thumbs across the palms of their hands and touch other fingers.

The Amazing Opposable Thumb!

Homo habilis

The name means “man of skill.”

First to make stone tools

Lived about 2.5 million years ago.

Homo erectus,

About 1.6 million years ago

More intelligent, sophisticated tools

First to use of fire

Migrated out of Africa

The invention of tools

Mastery over fire

Development of language

Control over their Environment

Homo sapien (wise man) is the name given to modern humans.

Had the same physical build as homo erectus except for a larger brain.

Homo Sapiens

Neanderthal ManThe first modern humans, bigger and more powerful

Resourceful hunters

Had religious beliefs (ritual burials)

Vanished about 20,000 years ago

               

Competed with Neanderthals for land and food

Had more skill at speaking; could plan large scale hunts – reason for survival?

Developed art

Cro-Magnons Emerge

Scientists have only a vague picture of the origin of humans.

More discoveries may lead to new ideas about early humans.

What is clear is that humans had skills that helped them adapt to and survive in different lands and climates.

The Fossil Record