The Evolution of Homo sapiens Chapter Fifteen The Evolution of Homo sapiens

Homo sapiens Fossil Homo sapiens have been found in Asia, Europe, and Africa. Modern humans have a rounded head, with a cranial arch that is short but high. The skull is delicate and lacks the large bony crests seen in other anthropoids. The modern human face, jaw, and teeth are also smaller.

[Figure 15-1: variation and distribution Homo sapiens]

The Origins of Homo sapiens There are two basic models for the origin of Homo sapiens. The replacement model: H. sapiens evolved in Africa some 200,000 years ago. They then radiated out and spread through Asia and Europe, replacing earlier hominin species, including Neandertals. Gene flow did not occur between existing hominin populations.

The Origins of Homo sapiens The regional continuity model: This model assumes multiple origins of H. sapiens from existing local populations. For example, Neandertals would have given rise to modern Europeans. Gene flow would have maintained existing hominin species as a single species, H. sapiens.

The Origins of Modern Humans [Figure 15-5: The origins of modern humans]

Movements of Homo sapiens throughout the Old World There is evidence of modern-looking populations Africa as early as 195,000 years ago Asia somewhat after that Europe at 38,000 B.P. and perhaps earlier Although Australia was never connected by land to the mainland of Asia, modern humans may have reached Australia more than 60,000 years ago. A small, non-H. sapiens species, Homo floresiensis, may have lived as recent as 18,000 B.P. on Flores Island in Indonesia.

Migration of Homo sapiens to the New World Most anthropologists believe the Americas were populated by Asian big-game hunters who followed their prey across the Bering Strait. The firmest dates for the presence of people in the New World are 13,500 B.P., but dates of up to 27,900 years ago have been suggested.

Upper Paleolithic Technology Upper Paleolithic is often defined by: High frequency of stone blades Bone, antler, ivory, and horn tools were also made. Compound and hafted tools also became common. A variety of artistic methods and styles including Paintings Engraving Sculpture

The Mesolithic and Neolithic Current evidence suggests that hunter-gatherers first domesticated rye in the Near East as long as 13,000 years ago. People in the Near East did not become dependent on farming until 10,000 years ago. Plant and animal domestication also developed in areas of the Old World, Mexico, and Peru. With farming came an increase in the frequency of village life, a stage called the Neolithic. People were more settled and population densities increased. The Neolithic was characterized by the elaboration of tools for food preparation.

The Rise of Civilization One of the major factors involved in the origins of civilization is the increase in population. The earliest civilization, Sumer, developed in the Middle East. During this period, the Bronze Age, the science of metallurgy was refined. Civilizations also arose in other parts of the Old World and independently in parts of the New World. In the Old World, the Bronze Age was followed by the Iron Age. Shift of power from the Middle East to Greece and Rome. The 1700s marked the beginning of the Industrial Age.