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Defining “Humanness”

Defining “Humanness”. An anthropological perspective. Evolutionary Theories. Jean-Baptiste Lamarck created the first cohesive theory of evolution, whereby a chemical force drove organisms up a ladder of complexity.

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Defining “Humanness”

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  1. Defining “Humanness” An anthropological perspective

  2. Evolutionary Theories • Jean-BaptisteLamarck created the first cohesive theory of evolution, whereby a chemical force drove organisms up a ladder of complexity • Charles Darwin refined this theory into what is now considered the modern theory of evolution

  3. Natural Selection • Natural selection: The gradual biological process whereby traits are passed through generations in order to allow species to better adapt to– and survive in– their environment • Evolution: The gradual change in inherited biological characteristics, resulting in diversity among populations over successive generations.

  4. Main Species • ArdipithecusRamidus • Aka “Ardi” • 4.4 million years old • Up to 4 feet tall, 100 pounds • Bipedal, but with opposable toes to climb trees • Most complete early hominid skeleton, even more complete than Lucy

  5. Main Species Australopithecus Afarensis • Aka “Lucy” • 3.9-2.9 million years old • About 3 feet tall • Bipedal

  6. Main Species Homo Habilis • 2.33-1.4 million years old • Cranial capacity slightly less than half that of a modern human • First to use crude stone tools Homo Ergaster • 1.8-1.3 million years old • Considered a direct ancestor of… Homo Erectus • 1.8 million-300, 000 years old • Used stone tools for cutting and chopping

  7. Main Species • 600-400, 000 years old • Used stone tools similar to Homo Erectus • Direct ancestor of… Homo Heidelbergensis • Existed between 600- • 350, 000 years ago • Evidence of populations having existed until 24, 000 years ago • Thought to have interbred with another contemporary species, contributing to the DNA of… Homo Neanderthalensis

  8. Main Species • Homo Sapiens • Anatomical modernity about 200, 000 years ago • Behavioural modernity about 50, 000 years ago YOU!

  9. Adapting to Our Changing Environment Adaptations made 50, 000 years ago • Developing language • Agriculture- Farming and animal husbandry • Social structures, living within a society • Building complex shelters, communities, architecture • Using more complex tools, technology • Art, science • Faith, religion

  10. Thank You!

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