Human Evolution
, the biological and cultural development of the species Homo
sapiens, or human beings. A large number of fossil bones and teeth have been
found at various places throughout Africa, Europe, and Asia. Tools of stone,
bone, and wood, as well as fire hearths, campsites, and burials, also have been
discovered and excavated. As a result of these discoveries, a picture of human
evolution during the past 4 to 5 million years has emerged.
Human Physical Traits Humans are classified in the mammalian order Primates;
within this order, humans, along with our extinct close ancestors, and our
nearest living relatives, the African apes, are sometimes placed together in the
family Hominidae because of ...
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Two-legged walking, or bipedalism, seems to be one of the earliest of
the major hominine characteristics to have evolved. This form of locomotion led
to a number of skeletal modifications in the lower spinal column, pelvis, and
legs. Because these changes can be documented in fossil bone, bipedalism usually
is seen as the defining trait of the subfamily Homininae.
Brain Size and Body Size Much of the human ability to make and use tools and
other objects stems from the large size and complexity of the human brain. Most
modern humans have a braincase volume of between 1300 and 1500 cc (between 79.3
and 91.5 cu in). In the course of human evolution the size of the brain has more
than tripled. The increase in brain size may be related to changes in hominine
behavior. Over time, stone tools and other artifacts became increasingly
numerous and sophisticated. Archaeological sites, too, show more intense
occupation in later phases of human biological history. In addition, ...
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in early hominine social
groups. This extreme dimorphism appears to disappear gradually sometime after a
million years ago.
Face and Teeth The third major trend in hominine development is the gradual
decrease in the size of the face and teeth. All the great apes are equipped with
large, tusklike canine teeth that project well beyond the level of the other
teeth. The earliest hominine remains possess canines that project slightly, but
those of all later hominines show a marked reduction in size. Also, the chewing
teeth—premolars and molars—have decreased in size over time. Associated with
these changes is a gradual reduction in the size of the face and jaws. In early
hominines, the ...
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Human Evolution. (2006, August 13). Retrieved December 23, 2024, from http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Human-Evolution/50706
"Human Evolution." Essayworld.com. Essayworld.com, 13 Aug. 2006. Web. 23 Dec. 2024. <http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Human-Evolution/50706>
"Human Evolution." Essayworld.com. August 13, 2006. Accessed December 23, 2024. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Human-Evolution/50706.
"Human Evolution." Essayworld.com. August 13, 2006. Accessed December 23, 2024. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Human-Evolution/50706.
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