Download Hominids

Hominids
The earliest “humanlike” creatures to exist. They
lived in Southern and Eastern Africa as long as three
to four million years ago. They walked upright and
made simple stone tools. All other human species are
descendents of the hominids.
Homo sapiens
Around 250,000 years ago, a third stage in human
development begins with a new species. This crucial
stage saw hominids develop morphologically, with
larger brains, better grip, emergence of larynx and
hyoid bones making speech possible. Homo sapiens
means wise human being in latin.
Homo erectus
The second stage in early human development
occurred with the appearance of Homo erectus about
1.5 million years ago. These upright walking
creatures made use of larger and more varied tools.
These Hominids were the first to leave Africa and
move into Europe and Asia. This species was able to
do so because they were able to start, control and
utilize fire.
Neanderthals
Neanderthals were first found in the Neander Valley
in Germany. Their remains have been dated to
between 100,000 and 300,000 B.C. This species
utilized fire, and used a collection of various tools to
survive. They were also the first of the Hominids to
bury their dead, leading many scientists to believe
that they believed in an afterlife. Neanderthals also
made clothing from the animals that they killed for
food.
Homo sapiens sapiens
The first anatomically modern humans appeared in
Africa between 150,000 and 200,000 years ago.
They began to spread outside of Africa about 100,000
years ago. By 30,000 years ago, Homo sapiens
sapiens (wise, wise human being) replaced
Neanderthals, who had died out possibly from
conflicts between the two. These people moved very,
very slowly, searching for food beyond their hunting
ground at a rate of 2 – 3 miles per generation. By
10,000 B.C., homo sapiens sapiens were found
throughout the entire world. All humans today are
belong to this sub group of human beings.
Paleolithic Age
Paleolithic age is the period of human history when humans used simple
stone tools 2,500,000 – 10,000 BCE. They didn’t know how to grow crops
or raise animals, but knew when and where to hunt followed vegetation
They gathered food like wild nuts, berries, fruits, and a variety of wild grains
and green plants and hunted buffalo, horses, bison, wild goats, reindeer, and
fish. They were nomadic, moving from place to place, and had no choice but
to move with the animal migration and vegetation cycles. Over the years
tools became more refined and more useful. The spear was invented, and the
harpoon and fish hook helped catch more fish. Both men and women played
a role in finding food. Women were the gathers, staying close to camp, while
men hunted farther from camp. They started using fire around 500,000 years
ago helping with light and heat, enabling them to cook food and stay warm.
Making tools and controlling fire were 2 important technological
innovations of the Paleolithic Age.
Neolithic Age
Neolithic means “New Stone” –but don’t get confused. This age
has little to do with new stone. The major change in the way of
life in the Neolithic age was shift from hunting and gathering to
keeping animals and growing food. Between 8000 B.C. and 4000
B.C. systematic agriculture allowed for people to stay in one place,
grow their own food and raise livestock for a steady source of
meat, milk and wool. Many historians consider this revolution to
be the most important development in human history.
Archaeology
Archaeology is the study of past societies through an
analysis of what people have left behind.
Archaeologists dig up and examine artifacts of early
peoples, such as tools, pottery, paintings, weapons,
buildings, and household items.
Anthropology
Anthropology is the study of human life and culture.
Anthropologists use artifacts and the remains of
humans, like fossils and teeth to determine how
peoples lived their lives.