1. The Great Leap Forward
Sept 4

2. Behavioral Modernity Behavioral modernity
There are two main theories regarding when modern human behavior emerged:
Cultural universals
Classic archaeologically-accessible evidence of behavioral modernity includes:

3. Great Leap Forward
Whether modern behavior emerged as a single event or gradually is the subject of vigorous debate.
Occurred 40,000 years ago in Europe – earlier in Africa
Humans who lived before 50,000 ya were behaviorally primitive and indistinguishable from other extinct hominids.

4. Continuity Hypothesis
Proponents of the continuity hypothesis hold that no single genetic or biological change is responsible for the appearance of modern behavior.
Continuity theorists believe that what appears to be a technological revolution at the onset of the Upper Paleolithic is most likely a result of increased cultural exchange resulting from a growing human population

5. Man-the-Hunter Hypothesis
Meat-Eating Hypothesis aka Cooking Hypothesis
Explains transition from Australopithecine to Homo
Idea that the taming of fire made meat more desirable

6. Strange Life Cycles
Sept 4

7. Life Cycles Number of offspring
The parental care that offspring receive
Social relations between adult individuals
How mates are selected
Frequency of sexual relations
Menopause
Life expectancy