Human Evolution

Descriptive Essay # 105996

Anthropology > Pre-Historic
Archaeology
Biology > Zoology

Human Evolution

Describes human evolution beginning with the separation of hominids from anthropoids about 5-6 million years ago.

1,605 words () | 12 sources | MLA | 2008 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that, as human evolution progressed from the australopithecines to Homo sapiens, early man began to walk upright, use fire, tools and language and create culture. The author describes the main species known in the evolutionary tract but omits other intermediates for which very few fossils have been found. Of these know species, the paper discusses distinguishing characteristics, what type of tool culture they had, and if they had any type of socialization. The author presents briefly famous archaeological finds. Includes many figures.

Table of Contents:
Abstract
Introduction
Australopithecines
Homo
Homo Habilis
Homo Erectus/ Homo Ergaster
Homo Neanderthalensis
Homo Sapiens
Cro-Magnon
Homo Sapien Sapien
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"The most famous Australopithecine fossil is Lucy. The A. afarensis fossils were found in Hader, Ethiopia and were about 40% complete, including bipedal kneecaps and molars and front teeth similar to humans rather than great apes. Another famous fossil find was the Taung infant, found by Raymond Dart in Taung, South Africa. The A. africanus fossil consisted of the face, mandible, and a natural endocast of the brain case. Another famous find was the set of three footprints in Laetoli, Tanzania, by Mary Leakey."

Sample of Sources Used:

Alper, J. Rethinking Neanderthals. Pp 146- 149 in E. Angeloni (ed.), Physical Anthropology 05/06, McGraw Hill Contemporary Learning Services, Dubuque, Indiana.
Cartmill, Matt. The Gift of Gab. Pp 150-154 in E. Angeloni (ed.), Physical Anthropology 05/06, McGraw Hill Contemporary Learning Services, Dubuque, Indiana.
Freeman, S. and J.C. Herron. Evolutionary Analysis. 2004. Pearson Education Inc., Upper Saddle River, New Jersey, 802pp.
Jordan, J. Anthropology 201: Prehistoric Peoples. Lecture. August-December 2005.
Leonard, W. R. Food For Thought: Dietary Change Was a Driving Force in Human Evolution. Pp112-119 in E. Angeloni (ed.), Physical Anthropology 05/06, McGraw Hill Contemporary Learning Services, Dubuque, Indiana.