Anthropology_Break_Down

Daisy-Diane Anthropology Midterm Over many years scientists have done much research to see how we have come to be as a species. Through this research scientists have proven that there has been much evolution within our genus. Meaning that we as a species didn’t just appear; we evolved from other species or genera. In chapter seven, of Anthropology the Human Challenge, scientists categorized human evolution into two concepts: by biological evolution and cultural evolution. Humans did not always have the appearance they do today. Physically we as a species have changed. Our bodies have evolved so we can survive in the world. One major change noted by scientists was that our brain size had increased over the years. In 1959 Louis and Mary Leakey had went searching for the fossils in the Olduvai Gorge in Tanzania. They unearthed skeletal remains of what is presently known as Homo habilis. Years later their son discovered a fossil named KNMR 1470. The distinguishing factor of these remains was that it had a cranial capacity of 752 cubic centimeters. This measurement was larger than most apes of the time. The average modern human cranium has a capacity of between 1,000 and 2,000 cubic centimeters (Haviland, 163). This information led scientist to propose that “Early Homo likely possessed the marked increase in ability to learn and to process information (Haviland, 153).” Increased brain size really did allow for learning new concepts such as speech. Modern day humans cannot dig up a fossil that has an intact brain fully preserved. Consequently we may never be able to say for sure that speech was a definite part of life in the past. The abilities of Homo to hunt in groups and plan for seasonal change show communication skills that Homos were improving their linguistic intelligence in order to survive. Basic stone tools have been found along with fossils. After much research scientists concluded that many of those tools were meant for right handed Homos; accordingly, scientists were lead to believe that their brains were undergoing specialization. Specialization is also necessary for language therefore that showed that language was not far behind. A second major physical change for the genus Homo was the skeletal aspect of the body. Australopithecines were robust; they had skulls that had large jaws and teeth for chewing their food. They also had smaller brains. In the later years of the Australopithecine era the genus Homo is believed to have emerged. Both species were similar to an extent. The Homo species though had bigger brains; they also had smaller teeth and jaws. Once again an example of how they had evolved. Researchers Eugene Dubois and Ernst Haeckel both had made stunning fossil discoveries. Each had found skeletal remains, but some of the remains had few ape like characteristics. The Homo characteristics were far more dominant. This led scientist to believe this was a walking ape man, which led to the species Homo erectus to life. Few evolutionary characteristics of the Homo erectus group were that heads were long and narrow, the height of the top of the skull was low, and the skull had increased due to the brain size. Homo erectus and modern day Homo sapiens are very similar; one major difference was that Homo erectus was more heavily muscled. Stature was also a very noticeable difference. Overall as a species we have evolved significantly. Our craniums have grown to accommodate our large brains. The skull has also adapted to our eating style. Our entire skeleton has evolved to accommodate our way of life. In today’s world how we attain food differs vastly from how we would have been able to 2.5 million years ago. Millions of years ago Homo erectus didn’t have the same evolutionary equipment we have today, but they still successfully managed to nourish themselves. They accomplished this task by devising their own tools out of their available resources. Homo erectus didn’t just use rocks to smash and grind food; Homo erectus carefully planned how to sculpt a rock to their benefit. They would use these tools to break or rip flesh for food. These tools could even be used as protection against predators. Years later researchers had discovered the Archeulean tradition. During that time period hand axes, anvils, and many more sophisticated tools became of better use. As a species they were advancing in ways to obtain their food. Even though the tools were available they weren’t necessarily solely relied upon. It is true that Homo erectus were hunters, but it was also discovered that they were scavengers. For some time humans were tertiary scavengers. That meant that they were the third group to get a carcass. Homo erectus would wait for other animals to kill large prey and scavenge from that. As time went on with the invention of tools and better linguistic abilities they were able to hunt and kill their own prey. The system of hunting, killing, and eating their prey was a beneficial system for years. The introduction of fire made their system ten times more efficient. Fire became a preferred method of cooking food. The cooking of the food was more nutritious to the Homo erectus because they were able to receive more nutrients than before. Fire cooking softened the food, made it easier to digest nutrients, and it rid the food of bacteria. Cooking meat benefitted the Homo erectus because they were able to supply their body positively. That in turn helped with their longevity. Fire also helped Homo erectus control their territory. They could intimidate potential predators with fire. Within their territory Homo erectus were able to plan and prepare for upcoming seasonal changes, or just for the next day’s activities. Scientists believe that fire assisted Homo erectus in performing those tasks as well as socialize. More obvious benefits of the fire for the Homo erectus were warmth and light. Researchers can not pinpoint exactly what Homo erectus used fire for primarily, but researchers can attest to the face that the fire did help the Homo erectus expand their geographic location as well as their ability to nourish themselves. Human evolution from chapter seven can break down into two concepts: biological evolution and cultural evolution. Research shows that we as a species have evolved over time, and with the ability to evolve and adapt we have been able to survive. Every species has the opportunity to succeed. It is just a matter of whether a species knows how to develop the ability to evolve to adapt to an ever-changing world. Bibliography Haviland William, Mcbride Bunny, Prins Harald, Walrath Dana. Anthropology The Human Challenge. Belmont, CA: Thomas Higher Education, 2005,2008.