The Origin of Humans SS 10

Primary vs secondary sources

Detectives of the past Archaeologists: specialists in the study of early humans and early civilizations Artifacts: human made objects Fossils: recognizable remains, or the impressions left by them, of a plant or animal preserved in the earth’s crust. Anthropologists: scientists who study the origin, development, distribution, social habits and culture of humans Paleontologist: examines fossil remains of animal and plant life Paleoanthropologist: combines the work of both anthropologists and paleontologists

Evolution: Charles Darwin Evolution suggests that the great variety of plant and animal life on Earth developed gradually over time. Charles Darwin was the most famous evolutionist, writing On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection in 1859 Darwin believed that species changed or adapted based on a response to their environment. He also noted that organisms with more helpful characteristics survived the struggle for existence, while others dies out. This is called natural selection.

Creationism Based on a literal interpretation of the Bible – God created the earth and all living things in their natural form.

A tribute to Hominids :)

Becoming Human

Lucy: Australopithecus afarensis

Three stages of the Stone Age Paleolithic (Old Stone Age) Mesolithic (Middle Stone Age) Neolithic (New Stone Age)

Homo Habilis The Handy man 2.5 million years ago Found in Africa First Hominids to develop and use stone tools

Homo erectus 2 million years ago Could walk upright Found in Africa, Java and China (also known as Java man) Hunters and gatherers. Made tools of stone and bone First species to use fire

Homo Sapiens 250 000 years ago Means “Man who Thinks” Formulated the spoken language and developed more sophisticated tool making Discovered in Hungary, England, Germany and France Two types: Homo Sapiens Neanderthalis and Homo Sapiens sapiens

Neanderthals “the Caveman” Located in Europe Found about 230 000 years ago Hunters and gatherers Short life expectancy

Homo sapien sapiens 40 000 Armed with skills to make clothing, shelters and more efficient hearths Developed the ability to endure colder climates