Lecture Notes / Study Guide: The Evolution of Homo Sapiens
I. Introduction
Focuses on the origins, development, and adaptive strategies of Homo
sapiens.
Explains both biological evolution and cultural innovations that
distinguished our species from earlier hominins
The Evolution of Homo Sapiens
.
II. Early Hominins and Human Evolution
Emerged from East Africa, evolving from Australopithecines into
more advanced hominins.
Distinctive evolutionary traits:
o Bipedalism (walking upright freed hands for tool use).
o Enlarged cranial capacity relative to body size.
o Use of stone tools for hunting, cutting, and processing food
The Evolution of Homo Sapiens
.
III. Homo Sapiens and Cognitive Development
Appeared around 200,000 years ago.
Hallmarks:
o Complex language capacity allowed abstract thought and
social coordination.
o Advanced tool-making (sophisticated stone and later
bone/antler tools).
o Symbolic behavior: cave paintings, carvings, ritual burials.
I. Introduction
Focuses on the origins, development, and adaptive strategies of Homo
sapiens.
Explains both biological evolution and cultural innovations that
distinguished our species from earlier hominins
The Evolution of Homo Sapiens
.
II. Early Hominins and Human Evolution
Emerged from East Africa, evolving from Australopithecines into
more advanced hominins.
Distinctive evolutionary traits:
o Bipedalism (walking upright freed hands for tool use).
o Enlarged cranial capacity relative to body size.
o Use of stone tools for hunting, cutting, and processing food
The Evolution of Homo Sapiens
.
III. Homo Sapiens and Cognitive Development
Appeared around 200,000 years ago.
Hallmarks:
o Complex language capacity allowed abstract thought and
social coordination.
o Advanced tool-making (sophisticated stone and later
bone/antler tools).
o Symbolic behavior: cave paintings, carvings, ritual burials.
