Human Origins in Africa
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Transcript of Human Origins in Africa
Human Origins in Africa
Chapter 1.1
Describe key scientific findings about human origins
List human achievements during the Stone Age
Describe the emergence of modern humans
I will be able to:
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
Archeologists at Work
Artifacts: Tools, jewelry, or other objects modified by human hands.
Artifacts vs Fossils
Fossils: Bones preserved in stone
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
Out of Africa
“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
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.
The Amazing Opposable Thumb!
Homo habilis
The name means “man of skill.”
First to make stone tools
Lived about 2.5 million years ago.
Homo erectus,
About 1.6 million years ago
More intelligent, sophisticated tools
First to use of fire
Migrated out of Africa
The invention of tools
Mastery over fire
Development of language
Control over their Environment
Homo sapien (wise man) is the name given to modern humans.
Had the same physical build as homo erectus except for a larger brain.
Homo Sapiens
Neanderthal ManThe first modern humans, bigger and more powerful
Resourceful hunters
Had religious beliefs (ritual burials)
Vanished about 20,000 years ago
Competed with Neanderthals for land and food
Had more skill at speaking; could plan large scale hunts – reason for survival?
Developed art
Cro-Magnons Emerge
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.
The Fossil Record