Bellwork Copy down these definitions in your notes. Try and guess the term of the definitions provided. The species of bipedal primates to which modern humans belong, characterized by a brain capacity averaging 1400 cc (85 cubic in.) and by dependence upon language and the creation and utilization of complex tools. The early phase of the Stone Age, lasting about 2.5 million years, when primitive stone implements were used. Nomadic people who live chiefly by hunting, fishing, and harvesting wild food.

Early humans to the Neolithic revolution Human Prehistory Early humans to the Neolithic revolution

History Vs. Prehistory What is Prehistory? Archeology Fossils Artifacts

Human Prehistory When did humans become human? The first bipedal hominids emerged over 5 million years ago in Africa. The human genus (Homo) began to emerge in East Africa around 2.5 million years ago. Homo erectus originated in Africa 1.9 million years ago and is considered the common ancestor for modern humans. (Homo sapiens sapiens)

Human Prehistory A major pre-agricultural development is the experience of massive human species migration. Some thousands of years after the human species originated in eastern Africa, they began to pour out into other regions, most likely in search of food. Ultimately, humans settled around the world.

The Paleolithic Age The Paleolithic Age (Old Stone Age) lasted for almost two million years (until about 14,000 years ago). Humans began to walk more upright and they developed a larger brain capacity. Humans during this period tamed the use of fire (about 1 Million years ago) and used simple (mostly stone) tools. Wearing animal skins enabled humans to live in colder climates. With these new developments Humans were able to spread across the entire world.

The Paleolithic Age Humans came across the Siberian land bridge into North America at least 25-30,000 years ago (maybe earlier).

The Paleolithic Age By 25,000 BCE, Homo sapiens occupied (in small numbers) virtually every region of the world that is currently inhabited except New Zealand, some other Pacific islands, and Bermuda.

The Paleolithic Age Approximately 14,000 years ago the last great ice age ended…this enabled humans to live in more northern climates. About 12,000 years ago (roughly 10,000 BCE), it is estimated that there were, at most, 5-10 million people in the world. About 12,000 B.C.E., temperatures warmed and the oceans rose shaping the continents, a milder and more stable climate appeared, and plants and animals multiplied.

Life in the Paleolithic world Hunter gatherers liked to live by water Hunting was not as common as gathering or fishing because marine life was abundant and what you hunted couldn't hunt you.

Focus Question How was what Hunter- Gatherers ate different from what you eat? Why do you think what we ate changed?

What did you have for Breakfast? Did you eat a Paleolithic breakfast? Did you eat a “modern” breakfast? Did you eat nothing? Line up and let’s see!

Questions