Ch. 1.1. Archeologists and scientists investigate the lives of early humans without access to...
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Transcript of Ch. 1.1. Archeologists and scientists investigate the lives of early humans without access to...
Human Origins in Africa
Ch. 1.1
Archeologists and scientists investigate the lives of early humans without access to written records
Archeologists learn about early humans by excavating traces of early settlements
Artifacts are remains, such as tools, jewelry, and other human-made objects
These items give us valuable information about prehistoric times
Scientists search for Human Origins
In 1978 Mary Leakey found prehistoric footprints in Tanzania, East African Nation
Explorers in Ethiopia found a complete skeleton of an adult female hominid, earliest hominid to date
Walking upright helped early hominids travel distances easier, also developed opposable thumbs, which was important for picking up objects and making tools
Scientists Search for Human Origins
Most impressive achievements in human history include: invention of tools, mastery of fire, development of language
2 parts of the Stone Age: Paleolithic and Neolithic
Paleolithic Age = Ice Age Homo habilis: man of skill, first
to make tools Homo erectus: developed
technology, used fire and cooked food, developed language
Progress During the Old Stone Age
Homo sapiens is the species name for modern humans
Traditionally classified Neanderthals and Cro-Magnons as Homo sapiens, but they are not ancestors of modern humans
Remains of Neanderthals have been found in Germany, other areas of Europe, and Southwest Asia
The Dawn of Modern Humans
Neanderthals tried to explain and control their world.
They developed religious beliefs and performed rituals, they were resourceful in surviving, using animal skins and temporary shelters made of wood to protect themselves during the ice age
Cro-Magnons’ were more advanced skill in spoken language and more difficult projects than the Neanderthals
The Dawn of Modern Humans
1994: fossils found in Ethiopia of a 2.33 million year old jaw, making it the oldest fossil belonging to the species of modern humans
1996: Neanderthal bone flute was found in Canada
As time progressed, early human’s skills and tools for surviving and adapting to their environment became more sophisticated.
The Dawn of Modern Humans