Big Trends in

Human Evolution

Introduction – Human Evolution Mosaic Evolution: ________________________

With respect to human evolution:• _____________________• Developed at varying times along our

evolutionary history

But how did we get here? 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Anatomical Adaptations for Bipedalism1. ___________

Increase in ________ Changes to hallux __________

2. _______________ _____________________

Anatomical Adaptations for Bipedalism

Anatomical Adaptations for Bipedalism

3. _______________________ Increase in surface area Extension ____________ __________ - angled towards the

middle of the body

Anatomical Adaptations for Bipedalism

4. Pelvis _____________________ ______________________

Anatomical Adaptations for Bipedalism

5. _________________

____________________

Morphological Changes 6. Foramen Magnum – _______________________

Bipedal – ____________________

Quadrupedal – ______________________

Hominin Evolution

Pre-dating Australopithecus

Hominins discovered in _________________

Bipedal – debatable in some species

We will focus on the species for which there is ________________of bipedalism

Ardipithecus ramidus

Middle Awash area of Ethiopia

Approximately 4.4mya

Found: 1.2.3.

Ardipithecus ramidus

Indicators of Bipedalism____________________

Femur and pelvis

Humerus – _______________

Foot Phalanges ______________

Ardipithecus ramidus

Ardipithecus ramidus

Ardi = “facultative” bipedWhat do you think this term mean?

Australopithecus afarensis

_______________Hadar, EthiopiaLaetoli, Tanzania

3.6-3.0 mya

Forest, woodland, grassland

A. afarensis – Traits

Bipedal1.2.

Some Arboreal Abilities Retained1.2.

A. afarensis – Traits

A. afarensis – Traits

Type Fossil – “Lucy”Found: 1974, Hadar, Ethiopia

____________________Both armsMuch of the pelvisLeft femur, right tibiaHand and Foot bones

Adult (based on 3rd molar)_____________

Type Site: Laetoli Footprints

Tanzania

3.6 mya

75 feet long preserved _____________

___________ ______________

A New Hominin

Australopithecus sediba Discovered in 2008;

located in South Africa

Proposed by some to be the best candidate __________ _________________

A New Hominin

Features:________________Pelvis – ________

of Australopithecus-like and Homo-like features

Hand –Foot & ankle

shape –

The Genus Homo – Overall Trends

Characterized by:

Introduction To Homo habilis Contemporaneous with

_______________________

Anatomically different than specimens assigned to the genus _______________________

Distinguishing feature – _________________H. habilis shows an ___________________as

compared to Australopithecines

Homo habilis – OH 24

Location: Olduvia Gorge (Africa)

Comparison to Australopithecines: 1. 2.

“Twiggy” or OH 24Dated to ~ 1.8mya