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History 3219. The emergence of early humans in East Africa. Stone Age. Paleoithic : Means “old stone age” and it began 2.5 million years ago and lasted until 3000 B.C. Neolithic : Means “new stone age” and it went from 8000 B.C. to 3000 B.C.
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History 3219 The emergence of early humans in East Africa
Stone Age • Paleoithic: Means “old stone age” and it began 2.5 million years ago and lasted until 3000 B.C. • Neolithic:Means “new stone age” and it went from 8000 B.C. to 3000 B.C. • During this time we see the emergence of several Hominid species Starting with Australopithicines, Homo habilis, Homo erectus, Neanderthals and Cromagnons.
Australopithicines • In the1970’s a rare complete skeleton of a human-like female nicknamed “Lucy” was found in East africa. • 3.5 million years old • This species was called Australopithicus and walked upright. This provided them with a number of advantages. • 1) They could travel long distances • 2) They could use their free arms to carry food, tools and children • 3) they could see further in the distance
Australopithicines (cont’d) • These hominids developed one other human trait that was very advantageous: The opposable thumb. • This allowed them to pick up and hold objects easier. • Made travel, hunting and living off the land a lot easier.
Homo habilis • Means “man of skill”. • Lived around 2.5 million years ago • Made tools from lava rock • These tools were used to cut meat and crack bones. • Made life easier.
Homo erectus • Appeared 1.6 million years ago • Many scientists believe this species developed into Homo sapiens • They began using tools for special purposes: like digging, cutting meat, and scraping animal skins • Began using fire and may have had some spoken language.
Neanderthals • Ancestors of modern humans • Lived aroun 200,000 years ago • Lived in caves or built shelters from wood and animal skins • May have had religious beliefs • Found ways of surviving the freezing cold of the Ice Age • Disappeared around 30,000 years ago
Cromagnons • Appeared about 10,000 years before Neanderthals. • Their bodies were just like those of modern people. • Scientists think that these people worked with one another in planning large scale hunts. • More advanced speaking skills than Neanderthals which may have made them better at finding and procuring food.