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Human Evolution

Human Evolution. Pgs. 144 -149. Primates. To better understand human evolution, we should understand the characteristics that make us human beings. Humans are primates. Primates are a group of mammals that include humans, apes, monkeys, and prosimians.

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Human Evolution

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  1. Human Evolution Pgs. 144 -149

  2. Primates • To better understand human evolution, we should understand the characteristics that make us human beings. • Humans are primates. • Primates are a group of mammals that include humans, apes, monkeys, and prosimians. • Characteristics include 5 flexible fingers (four fingers and opposable thumb) and eyes located in the front of the head (providing three-dimensional vision)

  3. Closest relative • In terms of evolution, a relative does not mean someone in your immediate family, like a brother or a sister. • Instead, it refers to the genetic similarities of two organisms that link them together. • Humans and chimpanzees are considered to be close relative because of their similar traits and, of course, similar DNA.

  4. Hominids • Humans are assigned to a family, different from other primates, called hominids. • Hominids refers to humans and their human-like ancestors. • A distinctive Hominid characteristic is walking on two legs, called bipedalism.

  5. Hominid Evolution • When dinosaurs went extinct, primate ancestors appeared about 55 million years ago. • They were believed to be mouse-like animals that lived in trees and ate insects. • The first hominids appeared about 4.4 million years ago (the oldest fossil found).

  6. Australopithecines • The oldest of the hominids (3.6 mya) • Means “southern ape man” • Characteristics: • Long arms, short legs, small brains. • Differed from apes • Bipedal and larger brains. • Believed to have originated in Africa

  7. Lucy • In 1979, a group of fossils were found in Ethiopia. • The most complete skeleton of Australopithecine was found and named Lucy • Lucy’s Characteristics: • 2 million years old • Upright body • Brain size the same as chimpanzee’s

  8. Homo Habilis • First appeared 2.3 mya • Characteristics: • Facial features more human-like. • Used stone tools

  9. Homo erectus • 2 mya – 200,000ya • Characteristics: • Larger in size • Smaller jaw • Lived in caves • Hunted animals in groups • Migrated across the globe • Most likely evolved into Homo sapiens (modern humans)

  10. Neanderthals • Named for Neander Valley, Germany, where fossils were found • 230,000 ya – 30,000 ya • Characteristics: • Hunted large animals • Made fires • Wore clothing • Buried their dead • Unknown cause of extinction

  11. Cro-Magnon • Found in southwestern France in caves. • 100,000 ya - about 35,000 ya • Characteristics: • Migrated • Smaller and flatter face • Skulls were higher and more rounded • Thicker, heavier bones • Made cave paintings and sculptures

  12. Unanswered Questions • There is still much scientists don’t know about the evolution of modern human beings. • They keep finding new fossils that give more information. • Scientist based their information on their findings, thus new theories are developing with each fossil discovery.

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