Primate to Human From simple to complex!

Primates First primates evolved about 50 mya! Two features of the primates: Opposable thumbs: allow for grasping Forward orientation of the eyes: allows for binocular vision which permits depth perception

Early primates Early primates are very similar to the prosimians of today! Most likely nocturnal – night active!

About 36 mya, primates diversified and became diurnal.

Early Hominids Primates that walk up right on 2 legs - Bipedal. Early hominids led to the evolution of humans. Hominids first appeared about 5-7 mya.

Australopithecines The earliest hominids are known as Australopithecines. Most famous fossil remains of this genus is LUCY!

Lucy vs. the Apes Lucy’s brain had a slightly greater volume Lucy had a S- shaped spine. Lucy’s arms are shorter than legs. Lucy’s bowl shaped pelvis – upright walking Lucy’s femurs angled inward – carry body weight.

Approximately 3 mya Australopithecines began to diverge! Went extinct Became Humans

Genus Homo First appeared 2 mya! Discovered near Australopithecine fossil site

Homo habilis Tools have been found scattered amongst the fossils of this early man. Homo = man habilis = handy They stood about 4 ft tall. Survived for about 500,000 years before going extinct.

Homo erectus Larger than H. habilis – about 5 ft tall. Had a large brain. Tended to live in groups of 20-50 members.

Homo erectus Hunted large animals. Used fire. Made both stone and bone tools. Went extinct 200,000 years ago.

Homo sapien Homo = man sapien = wise Fossils of this species first appeared in Europe about 130,000 years ago These early H. sapiens were known as Neanderthals.

Neanderthals Slightly larger brain than modern humans. Skulls were massive. Cared for their sick. Buried their dead  left artifacts with the dead

Why is burying the dead significant for the study of human evolution?

Modern Homo sapiens H. sapiens appeared about 34,000 years ago. Typically they were hunters and gatherers. Complex patterns of social organization.

Modern H. sapiens Developed the ability to use tools effectively. Use written language that permits concepts to be passed from generation to generation.

Modern H. sapiens Developed abstract thinking. Development of culture gave way to be able to change our environment to suit our needs!