Describe one derived trait in humans (Homo sapiens).
Solution
The latest chapter of human evolution begins with the emergence of Homo sapiens. The anatomy
of Homo sapiens is unique among hominin species and appears first in East Africa, dating to
roughly 160 thousand years ago. These unique features—including changes in the skull and
postcranial skeleton (skeleton minus skull) - suggest changes in brain size and architecture and
an adaptation to tropical environments. These anatomical changes are linked to cognitive and
behavioral changes that are equally unique among hominin species. In particular, the
archaeological evidence of behaviors thought to be unique to Homo sapiens, which appear first
in Africa around 170 ka, highlight the importance of symbolism, complex cognitive behaviors,
and a broad subsistence strategy (the strategy used to procure food). The evolution of Homo
sapiens is vitally important to defining our species in the broader context of human evolution and
also has key to understanding the human condition, past and present.
Food: All Homo sapiens were once hunter-gatherers living on wild plants and animals. It was
only about 11,000 years ago that humans began to domesticate plants and animals although wild
foods still remained important in the diet. Our species has a wide-ranging and essentially
omnivorous diet. This has enabled us to utilise the food resources found in the wide variety of
environments we inhabit.
Settlement: Early Homo sapiens often inhabited caves or rock shelters if these were available.
More recently, especially within the last 20,000 years, natural shelters were enhanced with walls
or other simple modifications. In open areas, shelters were constructed using a range of
framework materials including wooden poles and the bones of large animals, such as mammoths.
These structures were probably covered with animal hides and the living areas included fire
hearths.
Living sites were much larger than those occupied by earlier humans and a comparison with
modern traditional peoples suggests that clans consisted of between 25 and 100 members.
Other significant morphological changes included: the evolution of a power and precision grip; a
reduced masticatory system; a reduction of the canine tooth; and the descent of the larynx and
hyoid bone, making speech possible. An important physiological change in humans was the
evolution of hidden oestrus, or concealed ovulation, which may have coincided with the
evolution of important behavioural changes, such as pair bonding. Another significant
behavioural change was the development of material culture, with human-made objects
becoming increasingly common and diversified over time. The relationship between all these
changes is the subject of ongoing debate..
Describe one derived trait in humans (Homo sapiens).SolutionThe.pdf
1. Describe one derived trait in humans (Homo sapiens).
Solution
The latest chapter of human evolution begins with the emergence of Homo sapiens. The anatomy
of Homo sapiens is unique among hominin species and appears first in East Africa, dating to
roughly 160 thousand years ago. These unique features—including changes in the skull and
postcranial skeleton (skeleton minus skull) - suggest changes in brain size and architecture and
an adaptation to tropical environments. These anatomical changes are linked to cognitive and
behavioral changes that are equally unique among hominin species. In particular, the
archaeological evidence of behaviors thought to be unique to Homo sapiens, which appear first
in Africa around 170 ka, highlight the importance of symbolism, complex cognitive behaviors,
and a broad subsistence strategy (the strategy used to procure food). The evolution of Homo
sapiens is vitally important to defining our species in the broader context of human evolution and
also has key to understanding the human condition, past and present.
Food: All Homo sapiens were once hunter-gatherers living on wild plants and animals. It was
only about 11,000 years ago that humans began to domesticate plants and animals although wild
foods still remained important in the diet. Our species has a wide-ranging and essentially
omnivorous diet. This has enabled us to utilise the food resources found in the wide variety of
environments we inhabit.
Settlement: Early Homo sapiens often inhabited caves or rock shelters if these were available.
More recently, especially within the last 20,000 years, natural shelters were enhanced with walls
or other simple modifications. In open areas, shelters were constructed using a range of
framework materials including wooden poles and the bones of large animals, such as mammoths.
These structures were probably covered with animal hides and the living areas included fire
hearths.
Living sites were much larger than those occupied by earlier humans and a comparison with
modern traditional peoples suggests that clans consisted of between 25 and 100 members.
Other significant morphological changes included: the evolution of a power and precision grip; a
reduced masticatory system; a reduction of the canine tooth; and the descent of the larynx and
hyoid bone, making speech possible. An important physiological change in humans was the
evolution of hidden oestrus, or concealed ovulation, which may have coincided with the
evolution of important behavioural changes, such as pair bonding. Another significant
behavioural change was the development of material culture, with human-made objects
becoming increasingly common and diversified over time. The relationship between all these
changes is the subject of ongoing debate.
