Physical Anthropology

Important Findings in Physical Anthropology In 1924, Raymond Dart found a species of human who lived up to 3 million years ago in South Africa (was a skull and fossilized brain) The skull had many human traits but the brain was near the size of a primate’s. This species was named australopithecus africanus. IMPORTANT FINDINGS OF EARLY HUMAN LIFE For decades Anthropologists have searched for evidence of early human origins. Evidence includes bones, tools, clothing, evidence of “living” (homes, land, etc.), etc – anything humans left behind. Very difficult process – need to know where to look b/c very few artefacts still remain (result of decomposition) Many important findings have been made over the past decades, which have added to our knowledge of early human life. In 1924, Anthropology teacher Raymond Dart found a species of humans who lived up to 3 million years ago in South Africa (was a skull and fossilized brain); skull had many human traits but the brain was the size of a primate’s; this species was named australopithecus africanus.

australopithecus africanus

australopithecus africanus

Mary and Louis Leakey In 1959, Mary and Louis Leakey found paranthropus boisei at Olduvai Gorge in Tanzania that confirmed the earliest human beings had lived in Africa. In 1959, Mary and Louis Leakey found evidence in Olduvai Gorge in Tanzania that confirmed that the earliest human beings had lived in Africa; found nearly complete fossil skull on floor of early Stone Aged home with stone tools. Note the distinctive sagittal crest to support large chewing muscles

The Olduvai Gorge – “The Cradle of Mankind”

Donald Johanson In 1974 Donald Johanson found 40% of a skeleton of a early human in Ethiopia. He named the skeleton ‘Lucy’ after a popular Beatles song he was listening to at the time. In 1974, Donald Johnson found 40% of a skeleton of an early human in Ethiopia; was the first skeleton of its kind that could be reconstructed. He named the skeleton Lucy, after a Beatles song.

Mary Leakey 1976 Mary Leakey discovers footprints fossilized in volcanic ash, indicating bipedalism began at least 3.6 million years ago

Richard Leakey 1984 Richard Leakey (son of Mary and Louis) discovered nearly complete skeleton of homo erectus, named Turkana Boy

Tim White 1994 Tim White discovered a 45% complete skeleton of a new hominid named Ardipithicus Ramidus. Dated 4.4 million years ago, it shows bipedalism, but with an opposable toe, suggesting bipedalism occurred first in a tree-climbing primate.

How are Humans Different From Other Species? Humans belong to the biological group called “primates” (the highest order of mammals). We are not direct descendants of chimpanzees or gorillas, but we may have a common ancestor. HOW ARE HUMANS DIFFERENT FROM OTHER SPECIES? Some physical anthropologists seek to find out what it means to be human by comparing human beings with other species. This needs to be done carefully – it can be a touchy topic and therefore anthropologists require extensive scientific evidence before they are willing to make certain claims. Humans belong to the biological group called primates (this is the highest order of mammals; the most sophisticated, if you will). We are not descendants from chimpanzees or gorillas, but we may have a common ancestor.

Primatology The study of the anatomy and behaviour of living primates (chimpanzees, gorillas and orangutans). Learn about the behaviour of our early ancestors - behaviours present in primates and modern humans must have been present in our distant relatives We can also gain insights into our own behaviour

The genetic make-up between humans and primates only differs by 1 or 2 percent. We share many physical and social characteristics – this is why we look to primates for clues that may shed light on the evolution of humans and human behaviour. The genetic make-up between humans and primates only differs by 1 or 2 percent. We share many physical and social characteristics – this is why we look to primates for clues that may shed light on the evolution of humans and human behaviour

How Are Humans Similar to Other Primates? Strong bond between mother and infant is important for survival Long infant dependency Social dominance hierarchies and aggression among males for access to food and females Opposable thumbs, rotating forearms, binocular vision, relatively large brain Grooming – the higher the status the more likely he/she is to be groomed Have a capacity for aggression, violence and defence of territory Communicate through sounds, facial expressions, touch. Display emotions such as grief and anger, and playfulness and laughter Opposable thumbs (make it easier to manipulate objects) Binocular vision (3D vision; allows us to judge distance) A highly developed brain with the capacity to learn (although humans outperform primates) Our children are dependant longer on their parents and require much care to learn to develop into self-reliant and dependant adults. Both are social creatures (depend on groups for survival) Have a capacity for aggression and defence of territory Anthropologist Jane Goodall observed two distinct communities of chimpanzees over a long period of time. She noticed that they fought over time in what she speculated as a fight for territory.

DIFFERENCES Bipedalism Capacity to communicate complex and abstract ideas through symbolic spoken language Live in social groups and mate in pairs Consciousness – we have the capacity to think and reflect on our behaviour (even if we don’t always do it) and we are aware of our own mortality and have developed spirituality Bipedalism (ability to talk upright over long distances, allowing us to carry objects and perform tasks while standing); Chimps can walk upright, but not for long distances and while performing tasks. Capacity to communicate complex and abstract ideas through language (other animals can only use calls or gestures); many anthropologists believe language is what finally separates us from all other species and has helped us survive and prosper.

Human Variation All humans are different Variation is essential for the survival of a species Variation help to ensure that some individuals of a species will be able to survive a catastrophic event such as disease and/or climate change Many visible variations have no evolutionary advantage at all (hair, eye colour

Human Subgroups Biologically, all humans are one species Ideas about “race” are socially constructed – humans invented the idea to justify social and economic inquality, violence and cruelty towards others There is NO biological basis for “race” There is greater genetic variations within “racial” groups than between them Differences of behaviour and personality are largely learned and determined by culture