Theory of Evolution: Hominid Evolution

Do Now: Write down all the similarities between these animals

What is a Primate? A primate is a mammal that has: Nails instead of claws Binocular vision Arms that rotate around shoulder joint Strong clavicle bone Relatively long fingers & toes Well developed cerebrum

Evolution of Primates Humans and other primates evolved from a common ancestor Primates split into 2 groups from this ancestor Lemurs and Lorises Tasiers and Anthropoids

Hominids Anthropoids Anthropoids= human-like primates

Hominoids Anthropoids began descending into a group known as hominoids that includes: Gibbons Orangutans Gorillas Chimpanzees Humans Hominoids in the lineage that lead to humans are called hominines Includes modern humans and other species more closely related to us than chimpanzees GREAT APES

Evolution of Hominines Hominines evolved these abilities: Walk upright Opposable/grasping thumbs Large brains How could these adaptations led to the progress of human evolution? (think- tools and language) Bi-pedal: walking on TWO feet Opposable thumbs: Touching tips of fingers with thumbs

The Oldest Hominines 7 million year-old fossil of Sahelanthropus Rise of the Genus Australopithecus 4 MYA to 1.5 MYA Bi-pedal, tree climbers Teeth fossils suggest they ate lots of fruit Australopithecus afarensis Discovering Lucy http://science.discovery.com/tv-shows/greatest-discoveries/videos/100-greatest-discoveries-lucy.htm

The Rise of the Genus Homo 2 MYA- new hominine group appeared Fossils resembled modern humans Homo habilis (first to use tools) Homo erectus (First to walk to upright) Homo neanderthalis  Homo sapiens

Why are structures changing? Why are the teeth changing? Why is the skull size changing? Why would the position of the spinal connection to the skull change as species began to walk upright?

A. Aferensis Homo Erectus Homo Neanderthalus Homo Sapien

Evolution of walking upright; What do you notice changing?

Parts of the brain Cerebrum: Includes brain lobes Temporal Occipital Parietal Frontal Spinal Cord: Pons Medulla Oblongata Cerebellum: Below cerebrum Next to spinal cord

Evolutionary Stations Visit stations 1-3 and complete the student activity sheet 5-10 minutes at each station

Exit Ticket Summarize the evolution of hominids from A. afarensis (Lucy’s species) to modern Homo sapiens (us) Make sure to include descriptions of major evolutionary changes in structure and adaptations Such as language, use of tools, etc