Biology 201 Dr. Edwin DeMont St. Francis Xavier University Evolution of Man Linked to Ardi papers.

St. Francis Xavier University Primates -Gorillas, chimpanzees, orangutan and humans Two suborders (1) Strepsirhini - Lemurs (2) Haplorhini Six Families…. 6. Hominidae Hominini

St. Francis Xavier University Evolution of Hominins 5-7 million years ago global temperature dropped. Tropical forests in Africa broken in mosaic of forests and vast savannah. African apes started to graze for food. Upright posture gave better view of predators and free hands for food gathering and bipedal locomotion evolved.

St. Francis Xavier University Bipedal locomotion - Vertebral column curved. - Vertebrae larger at base. -Spinous processes reduced. - Femur angled – puts feet under centre of mass. Skeletal adaptations for bipedal locomotion

St. Francis Xavier University Evolution of Hominins A. Gibbons Science 326, (2009) Published by AAAS Introductory Video

St. Francis Xavier University Ardipithecus ramidus Published by AAAS 4.4 million year old skeleton from Ethiopia “Facultative” biped Opposable toe Flexible hand

St. Francis Xavier University Evolution of Hominins Published by AAAS VideoVideo: The Analysis of Ardipithecus ramidus--One of the Earliest Known Hominids

St. Francis Xavier University Evolution of Hominins Published by AAAS Paleobiological Implications of the Dentition HumansArdiChimp Honing occurs in canine Used as a slicing weapon in social conflicts Social behavioural changes long before tools were used.

St. Francis Xavier University Evolution of Hominins Published by AAAS Paleobiological Implications of the Dentition HumansArdiChimp Red :Thick Enamel Blue: Thin Enamel Thick enamel – food abrasive from terrestrial feeding Thin enamel – ripe fruits

St. Francis Xavier University Evolution of Hominins Published by AAAS The Pelvis and Femur: The Emergence of Upright Walking Ardi Lucy ManChimpanzee Ilia different shape in chimps – won’t allow repositioning of hips during leg lift-off Ischial surfaces angled showing hamstrings undergone transformation

St. Francis Xavier University Evolution of Hominins A. Gibbons Science 326, (2009) Published by AAAS

St. Francis Xavier University Evolution of Hominins There is general acceptance of five Homo species. Fossils of Homo habilis ( million years ago) demonstrate the presence of Broca's area (an area of the brain devoted to speech). Image source

St. Francis Xavier University Evolution of Hominins Homo erectus ( ,000 years ago) was the first member of the genus to migrate from Africa to Europe, China, and Indonesia. H. erectus used more sophisticated tools and was the first to utilize fire. Image source

St. Francis Xavier University Evolution of Hominins H. heidlebergeinsis appeared 500,000 years ago. Image source

St. Francis Xavier University Evolution of Hominins H. neanderthalensis (230,000-30,000 years ago). Neanderthal man was specialized for life in the cold climate of Europe and the Middle East. Neanderthals were the first known Homo species to bury their dead. Image source

St. Francis Xavier University Evolution of Hominins H. sapiens arose in Africa 195,000 years ago. H. sapiens produced fine works of art. Fully modern humans were present about 30,000 years ago.