Human Evolution and Achievements

Overview

This lecture covers the evolution of humans, focusing on biological evolution, key hominid species, and major achievements during prehistoric times.

Biological evolution is the gradual genetic change in populations over generations.
Cultural (socio-cultural) evolution describes changes in human beliefs, customs, skills, and languages over time.
Charles Darwin’s evolution theory explains species development through natural selection.
Natural selection has three key principles: variation, inheritance, and survival of the fittest.
Adaptation allows species to survive environmental changes.

Fossils are preserved remains of living things (bones, skulls, teeth).
Artifacts are objects made and used by humans (stone tools, ceramics, ornaments).

Hominids are early humans and human-like creatures that could walk upright.
Ardipithecus: small-brained, bipedal, lived in forests, about 4 feet tall.
Australopithecus (“southern ape”): lived in Africa, brain one-third the size of modern humans, upright posture, bipedal, lived in small groups, scavenged for food.
Australopithecus afarensis (“Lucy”): a famous fossil ancestor discovered in Ethiopia, lived 3.2 million years ago.
Homo habilis (“handy man”): used tools, brain half the size of modern humans, height 3-4 feet.
Homo erectus (“upright man”): larger brain (two-thirds modern size), height 5 feet, complex tools, skillful hunters, used fire, lived in caves, first to use spoken language, first to leave Africa.
Discovery of Tabon Man and Homo luzonensis are significant in the Philippines’ prehistory.
Homo sapiens (“thinking man”): modern humans, larger brains, lived in shelters, diverse diet, learned to cook, used metals.

Paleolithic Period (Old Stone Age): use of rough stone tools, discovery of fire, cave settlements, hunting and gathering, early language and art.
Neolithic Period (New Stone Age): polished stone tools, agriculture, domestication of animals, permanent settlements, invention of pottery and weaving.
Metal Age: divided into Copper, Bronze, and Iron Ages; development of metal tools, weapons, and technology; invention of the wheel and plow; iron became the primary material for weapons.

Biological Evolution — changes in genetic traits of populations over generations.
Cultural Evolution — development or transformation of human cultures over time.
Natural Selection — process where organisms better adapted to their environment survive and reproduce.
Fossils — preserved remains of living organisms.
Artifacts — human-made objects from the past.
Bipedalism — ability to walk on two legs.

Review textbook sections on human evolution and prehistoric periods.
Prepare to discuss the impact of adaptation on human survival for the next class.