1. Human Origins in Africa
Chapter 1.1

2. I will be able to:
Describe key scientific findings about human origins
List human achievements during the Stone Age
Describe the emergence of modern humans

3. Archeologists at Work
Records cover only the last 5,000 years or so of human life on earth.
Archaeologists use special skills and tools to piece together things older than that

4. Artifacts vs Fossils
Artifacts: Tools, jewelry, or other objects modified by human hands.
Fossils:
Bones preserved in stone

5. Out of Africa
Evidence shows that the first hominids originated in Africa more than 3 million years ago.
Mary Leakey found the footprints of humanlike beings in the region of Laetoli

6. “Lucy”
In 1974, Donald Johanson discovered the nearly-complete skeleton of Australopithecus Afarensis, which he nicknamed "Lucy"
Lucy walked upright, had an opposable thumb and was dated back to 3.5 million years BCE

7. The Amazing Opposable Thumb!
Early hominids walked upright
Could travel long distances
Used free arms to carry food, tools, and children.
Could move thumbs across the palms of their hands and touch other fingers.

8. Homo habilis The name means “man of skill.” First to make stone tools
Lived about 2.5 million years ago.

9. Homo erectus, About 1.6 million years ago
More intelligent, sophisticated tools
First to use of fire
Migrated out of Africa

10. Control over their Environment
The invention of tools
Mastery over fire
Development of language

11. Homo Sapiens
Homo sapien (wise man) is the name given to modern humans.
Had the same physical build as homo erectus except for a larger brain.

12. Neanderthal Man The first modern humans, bigger and more powerful
Resourceful hunters
Had religious beliefs (ritual burials)
Vanished about 20,000 years ago
               

13. Cro-Magnons Emerge Competed with Neanderthals for land and food
Had more skill at speaking; could plan large scale hunts – reason for survival?
Developed art

14. The Fossil Record
Scientists have only a vague picture of the origin of humans.
More discoveries may lead to new ideas about early humans.
What is clear is that humans had skills that helped them adapt to and survive in different lands and climates.