primate to human from simple to complex!. primates first primates evolved about 50 mya! two features...
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Primate to HumanPrimate to HumanPrimate to HumanPrimate to Human
From simple to complex!From simple to complex!
Primates• First primates evolved about 50
mya!• Two features of the primates:
– Opposable thumbs: allow for grasping– Forward orientation of the eyes:
allows for binocular vision which permits depth perception
Early primates• Early primates
are very similar to the prosimians of today!
• Most likely nocturnal – night active!
About 36 mya,
primates diversified
and became diurnal.
Early Hominids• Primates that walk up right on 2
legs - Bipedal.• Early hominids led to the evolution
of humans.• Hominids first appeared about 5-7
mya.
Australopithecines• The earliest
hominids are known as Australopithecines.
• Most famous fossil remains of this genus is LUCY!
Lucy vs. the Apes
• Lucy’s brain had a slightly greater volume
• Lucy had a S- shaped spine.• Lucy’s arms are shorter than legs.• Lucy’s bowl shaped pelvis –
upright walking• Lucy’s femurs angled inward –
carry body weight.
Approximately 3 mya
Australopithecines began to diverge!
Became Humans
Went extinct
Genus Homo• First appeared 2 mya!• Discovered near Australopithecine
fossil site
Homo habilis• Tools have been found
scattered amongst the fossils of this early man.
• Homo = man habilis = handy
• They stood about 4 ft tall.
• Survived for about 500,000 years before going extinct.
Homo erectus• Larger than H.
habilis – about 5 ft tall.
• Had a large brain.• Tended to live in
groups of 20-50 members.
Homo erectus• Hunted large
animals.• Used fire.• Made both stone
and bone tools.• Went extinct
200,000 years ago.
Homo sapien• Homo = man
sapien = wise• Fossils of this species
first appeared in Europe about 130,000 years ago
• These early H. sapiens were known as Neanderthals.
Neanderthals• Slightly larger brain
than modern humans.
• Skulls were massive.• Cared for their sick.• Buried their dead
left artifacts with the dead
Why is burying the dead significant for the
study of human evolution?
Modern Homo sapiens• H. sapiens appeared about 34,000
years ago.• Typically they were hunters and
gatherers.• Complex patterns of social
organization.
Modern H. sapiens• Developed the ability to use tools
effectively.• Use written language that permits
concepts to be passed from generation to generation.
Modern H. sapiens• Developed
abstract thinking.• Development of
culture gave way to be able to change our environment to suit our needs!