Early people

VOCABULARY Fossil Geologist Hunter-Gatherer Culture Nomads Populate Migration Animism

Studying distant past To learn about the earliest humans we usually depend on fossils Ex: Plants, bones, feathers, and footprints

Studying distant past Methods of dating fossils Comparing layers where the fossils are found. The lower the older, the higher the younger Radioactive dating, the more radioactive material left the younger the fossil DNA comparing of living things to the DNA of human remains shows the evolution of people

Studying Distant past Archaeologists use geologists to come up with different methods to determine the date of fossils

First humans 1960 British archaeologists Mary & Louis Leaky discovered a skull in East Africa 1.75 million yrs ago (Homo habilis) Nov. 30, 1974 Donald Johnson and his team found 40% of a human body (Lucy) 3.2 million yrs ago.

First humans 2001 Michael Brunet found a skull that was 7 million yrs old 2009 Tim White found a nearly complete skeleton of a woman (Ardi) 1.2 million yrs older than Lucy

Hunter-Gatherers Hunter-Gatherers were the world’s first humans during the Paleolithic Era (2.5 million -10,000 yrs ago) Tools used during this time were made from stone and used for cutting meat, trees, and scraping animals

Hunter-Gatherers Another important tool created during this time was fire. Fire was used as light, heat, and too cook food.

Living in groups The first humans lived in groups which included about 10-12 adults and their children. (Men hunted & Women gathered) These groups developed a culture which included beliefs, technology, shelter, clothing, rituals, social & common activities, art, etc.

After Paleolithic era At the end of the Paleolithic era 2 large brain groups rose (Neanderthals and Homo Sapiens)

Populating earth Over the last 100,000 yrs people have populated much of the earth and historians have came up with 2 theories: Humans originated in Africa and migrated around the world (most evidence support this one) Humans developed in different parts of the world at one time

Humans adapting As humans migrated they faced the task of adapting to the changes of earth. The first major thing they had to adapt to was the harsh climate of earth at the time.

Adapting to climate Earth has experience 4 Ice Ages in total. The last one lasted 70,000 yrs creating glaciers which created the world’s mountains, lakes, and rivers. During the last Ice Age in which these humans lived they had to adapt to these freezing temperatures to survive.

The ways of adaption Creating communities Killing animals for clothing and food Using fire for warmth and food

Complex cultures Cave paintings and carvings from the stone age demonstrate the capability of the first humans to have complex thoughts. Some of these illustrations were of animals and pregnant women.

Complex cultures Burial practices and religious practices are also examples of complex culture. A grave in present day Russia found show children remains as they were buried wearing beads. The cave drawings and burial suggest that early humans believed in mysterious and powerful forces which led to animism.