1. Theories on early humans constantly change as new evidence is discovered, with the earliest known human-like creatures dating back 4 million years ago known as "Lucy". 2. Early humans developed in stages from 4 million years ago to present day, starting with hominids like Australopithecus and advancing to Homo species with abilities and tools. Agriculture emerged independently around 10,000 years ago allowing settled communities. 3. The development of agriculture around 10,000 years ago marked a major turning point in human history, enabling larger populations and the rise of early civilizations through permanent settlements with specialized roles and record keeping.

1. The Origin of Humans

2. The First HumansTheories on prehistory and early man constantly change as new evidence comes to light. - Louis Leakey, British paleoanthropologist

3. Geologic TimeEarth – 4.5-6 Billion Years oldCarbon Dating – When things die they stop absorbing carbonUranium Dating – Can date things much older than carbon

4. Geologic Time1 Billion Years ago – First life65 million years ago – Dinos lived4 million years ago – First “human like” creatures – Lucy1,750,000 First Human – “Cavemen”6,000 years ago first civilization

5. Early Discoveries

6. Stages of EarlyHuman Development1. 4,000,000 BC – 1,000,000 BCPaleolithic Age:( Old Stone Age )2,500,000 BC to 8,000 BC2. 1,500,000 BC -- 250,000 BC3. 250,000 BC – 30,000 BC4. 30,000 BC -- 10,000 BC

7. STAGES OFDEVELOPMENT1. Australopithecus – “Lucy”4 Million years agoEarly Hominid – 4 ft tall2. Homo Habilis – Human with abilities1.5 million years ago3. Homo Erectus – Walks Upright4. Homo Sapien – Person who thinks

8. Stage 14,000,000 BC – 1,000,000 BCHominids --> any member of the family of two-legged primates that includes all humans.

9. Australopithecines

10. An Apposable Thumb“Lucy” – Oldest found

11. Stage 2HOMO HABILIS( “Man of Skills” )

12. found in East Africa.

13. created stone tools.The Paleolithic Age“Paleolithic”--> “Old Stone” Age

14. 2,500,000 BC – 10,000 BC

15. Made tools

16. hunting (men) & gathering (women) --> small bands of 20-30 humans

17. NOMADIC (moving from place to place)The Paleolithic AgeHumans during this period found shelter in caves.

18. Cave paintings left behind. Purpose??

19. Stage 31,6000,000 BC – 30,000 BCHOMO ERECTUS ( “Upright Human Being” )

20. BIPEDALISM

21. Larger and more varied tools --> primitive technology

22. First hominid to migrate and leave Africa for Europe and Asia.

23. First to use fire ( 500,000 BC )Differing Human Migration TheoriesAre we all Africans “under the skin”????

24. Stage 4200,000 BC – 10,000 BCHOMO SAPIENS( “Wise Human Being” )Neanderthals( 200,000 BC – 30,000 BC )Cro-Magnons( 40,000 BC – 10,000 BC )“Ice Man”

25. Stage 4NEANDERTHALS:Neander Valley, Germany (1856)

26. First humans to bury their dead.

27. Made clothes from animal skins.

28. Lived in caves and tents.Stage 4NEANDERTHALSEarly Hut/Tent

29. Stage 4CRO-MAGNONs:Homo sapiens sapiens( “Wise, wise human” )

30. By 30,000 BCE they replaced Neanderthals.WHY???

31. Homo sapiens in Europe

32. The Last Ice Age70,000 BC – 10,000 BC

33. The Neolithic Age“Neolithic” --> “New Stone” Age

34. 10,000 BC – 4,000 BC

35. Gradual shift from:Nomadic lifestyle--> settled, stationery lifestyle.Hunting/Gathering --> agricultural production and domestication of animals.*Jewelry worn