Human Evolution CHW 3MR Lesson 2

The Evolutionary Process Evolution: a theory that all species evolved from previous forms of development Charles Darwin wrote “Descent of Man” in 1871 It was a follow-up to “The Origin of Species” (1859) Was very controversial Especially to Darwin

Human Family Tree

http://humanorigins .si.edu/evidence/hu man-fossils/species

Hominids Family of humans Walk upright, large brain, use tools http://humanorigins.si.edu/evidence /human-fossils/species

Ardipithecus Group Evolved in Africa Took first steps towards walking upright A partial skeleton, “Ardi,” was discovered in 2009

Australopithecus Group Australopithecus afarensis 4-2.75 million years ago Includes “Lucy” Around 1.2 m tall Walked around regularly but also climbed trees Footprints found in Tanzania likely belong to them Laetoli footprints

Paranthropus Group Large teeth and powerful jaws Fed on a variety of food

Homo group Large brains Used tools First to expand beyond Africa

Homo habilis The ‘handyman’ who used tools Brain was larger than the Australopithicus Long arms and a short body (ape-like)

Homo erectus 1.8 -1 million years ago (in Asia until 300 000 years ago) First to immigrate out of Africa Large face, thick skull, prominent browridge, receding forehead

Nariokotome Boy “Turkana Boy” showed they were size of modern man Used tools and may have used fire and lived in caves 1.5 million years old Nearly complete skeleton found in Kenya (1984)

Homo Neanderthalensis Skull located in France in 1908 Lived in caves, used tools and weapons Injured and dead were cared for Huge nose for filtering air Shorter and stockier than previous groups Lascaux Caves, France

Homo sapiens 200 000 to 300 000 years ago Skulls were slightly rounder and larger than Homo erectus Smaller teeth and jaw Large brain capacity (same as us!) Means ‘wise man’