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The forest as the human birthplace. THE ORDER OF PRIMATES. Primate evolution and taxonomy. The impact of the forest on human evolution. Eyes that look forward: stereoscopic vision From mammalian paws to hands and feet From large litters to fewer offspring.
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The forest as the human birthplace THE ORDER OF PRIMATES
The impact of the forest on human evolution • Eyes that look forward: stereoscopic vision • From mammalian paws to hands and feet • From large litters to fewer offspring. • Closer mother / child bond – greater maternal care • Increase in vocalization • Restructuring of the brain
Africa as the human birthplace • Monkeys are found in Africa, Asia, and the Americas • Apes evolved in Africa and Asia, but not in the Americas. • Africa: Chimpanzees, Gorillas • Asia: Gibbon, Orangutan • Hominids evolved only in Africa.
Summary • The forest prepared the basic physical and behavioral platform from which humans were to emerge. • Primate evolution occurred in forests around the tropical world. • The cutting edge of human evolution occurred in Africa. • The closest biological and behavioral relatives of humans are the chimpanzees.