Biocultural Evolution: Understanding Hominid Origins

1. Chapter 8Hominid Origins Key Terms

2. BioculturalPertaining to the concept that biology makes culture possible and that culture influences biology. Mosaic evolutionA pattern of evolution in which the rate of evolution in one functional system varies from that in other systems. For example, in hominid evolution, the dental system, locomotor system, and neurological system (especially the brain) all evolved at markedly different rates.

3. Bipedal locomotionWalking on two feet. Walking habitually on two legs is the single most distinctive feature of the hominids. Obligate bipedalism Bipedalism as the only form of hominid terrestrial locomotion. Since major anatomical changes in the spine, pelvis, and lower limb are required for bipedal locomotion, once hominids adapted to this mode of locomotion, other forms of locomotion on the ground became impossible.

4. Habitual bipedalismBipedal locomotion is the form of locomotion shown by hominids most of the time. ProtohominidsThe earliest members of the hominid lineage, as yet only barely represented in the fossil record. Thus, their structure and, especially, behavior are reconstructed hypothetically.

5. MultidisciplinaryPertaining to research that involves mutual contributions and cooperation of several different experts from various scientific fields (i.e., disciplines). SitesLocations of discoveries. In paleontology and archaeology, a site may refer to a region where a number of discoveries have been made.

6. FaunalReferring to animal remains; in archaeology, specifically refers to the fossil remains of animals. ChronometricReferring to a dating technique that gives an estimate in actual number of years .

7. ArtifactsTraces of hominid behavior. Very old ones are usually made of stone. PostcranialIn a quadruped, referring to that portion of the body behind the head; in a biped, referring to all parts of the body beneath the head (i.e., from the neck down).

8. AustralopithecusAn early hominid genus, known from the Plio-Pleistocene of Africa, characterized by bipedal locomotion, a relatively small brain, and large back teeth. ParanthropusA genus of early hominid characterized by very large back teeth and jaws. Frequently, this genus is combined into Australopithecus.

9. AustralopithecinesThe colloquial name for members of the genus Australopithecus. The term was first used as a subfamily designation, but is now mostly used informally. SectorialAdapted for cutting or shearing; among primates, refers to the compressed (side-to-side) first lower premolar, which functions as a shearing surface with the upper canine.

10. Plio-PleistocenePertaining to the Pliocene and first half of the Pleistocene, a time range of 5–1 m.y.a. For this time period, many early fossil hominids have been found in Africa. Homo habilisA species of early Homo, well known from East Africa but perhaps also found in other regions.

11. EndocastA solid impression of the inside of the skull, often preserving details relating to the size and surface features of the brain. PhylogenyA schematic representation showing ancestor-descendant relationships, usually in a chronological framework.