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Explore the evolution of early humans, their societal structures, and the impact of key advancements like mastering fire. Uncover the transition from Paleolithic to Neolithic eras and the significance of genetic mutations. The Out-of-Africa Theory and the Paleolithic Age are also examined in detail.
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Pre-History and Early Humans Subunit 1: Patterns of Human Organization
Essential Questions • How do historians discover knowledge about the past without writing? • What were the major differences between the Paleo- and Neolithic eras? • How did systematic agriculture lead to the creation of the first civilizations?
How Historians Study Pre-History • Prehistory- time before writing was developed • Archaeology- Study of past societies through analysis of what people left behind • Anthropology- the study of human life and culture
Hominid: Human-like creature that walks upright Homo sapiens: modern man (“wise human”) sapien sapien
Evolutionary Advantages Earliest traits • Flexible thumbs & fingers • Strong and sturdy ankle bones • Upright posture (walking on 2 legs) • Darker skin Later Traits • Large brain (Most important) • Lighter skin • Blue eyes • Mastery of fire (not a mutation, but still important)
Table Discussion In your table group, discuss… • What would the advantages be of the following genetic mutations: • Upright posture (walking on 2 legs) • Flexible thumbs & fingers • Large brain • Strong and sturdy ankle bones • Lighter skin • Darker skin • Blue eyes • Mastery of fire (not a mutation, but still important)
Out-of-Africa Theory Definition: The global spread of Homo sapiens sapiens from Africa about 100,000 years ago. • Which areas saw the earliest development outside of Africa? • Which areas developed the latest?
Paleolithic Age (“Old Stone” Age) • “Old Stone” • 2,500,000 BCE - 10,000 BCE • Use of simple stone tools • Objective = survival • Nomadic (move to where the food is) • Equality among sexes
Ice Age • Most recent Ice Age began 100,000 BCE and lasted 2,000 years • Migration from Asia to North America • Across area called Beringia • Land masses disappear after ice caps melt Why was the mastery of fire integral to human survival during the various Ice Ages in prehistory?