Human Evolution and Closest Relative

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer explains that evolution is defined as a change in the gene pool of a population from generation to generation by such processes as mutation and natural selection. The writer notes that the topic of human evolution all started when human fossils and remains were discovered from different regions on earth. The writer points out that the availability of new technology even allows the study of the genetic structures of the fossils found, which signifies a more reliable and astonishing breakthrough in defining the start of human evolution. The writer concludes that many of the scientific evidences including that of the anatomical, archaeological and genetic provide a full proof view that modern humans descend from earlier hominid populations or our ape-like ancestors.

From the Paper:

"Homo sapiens (about 100,000 years ago) is characterized by large brain size, high forehead, small eyebrow ridges, slender skeleton and upright structure. The Homo sapiens fossil record shows anatomical trends toward decreased bone mass. Their diet was more balanced - it included meat, grains and vegetables. The sapiens' tools were more sophisticated, and incorporated the use of raw materials. Surviving Cro-Magnon artifacts include huts, cave paintings, carvings and antler-tipped spears. The remains of tools suggest that they knew how to make woven clothing (according to a claim by Michael Rappenglueck, of the University of Munich. 2000.). The appearance of Cro-Magnon culture about 40,000 years ago was characterized by fine artwork - beads, ivory carvings, clay figurines, decorated tools and even musical instruments."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Cann, R.L., M. Stoneking and A.C. Wilson. 1987. "Mitochondrial DNA and human evolution." Nature, 325:32-36.
• Cavalli-Sforza, L.L. 2000. Genes, peoples, and languages. North Point Press, New York.
• Clark, G.A. and C.M. Willermet (eds.). 1997. Conceptual issues in modern human origins research. Aldine de Gruyter, New York.
• Duarte, C, J. Mauricio, P.B. Pettitt, P. Souto, E. Trinkaus, H. van der Plicht, and J. Zilhao. 1999. "The early Upper Paleolithic human skeleton from the Abrigo do Lagar Velho (Portugal) and modern human emergence in Iberia." Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 96:7604-7609.
• Richard K. Wilson K. R. 2006. Genome Sequencing Center (GSC). Washington, D.C.

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