early man definitions. neanderthals: early humans found in palaeolithic europe, they later became...
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Early Man Definitions
• Neanderthals: Early humans found in Palaeolithic Europe, they later became extinct due to the influx of Homo sapiens sapiens. Known for their heavy brow and short, muscular bodies.
• Cro-Magnon: Early modern humans of the Paleolithic period who crafted relationships with other bands and settled over hundreds of kilometers in Europe.
• Homo sapiens: The first modern human, with physicals similar to humans today. They represent the ‘great leap forward’ in that their advances allowed them to gain superiority over their environment.
• Prehistory: Refers to the early human societies that did not leave written records.
• Barter: A means of trade in early human society, before the advent of money. Goods were exchanged on a necessity basis, and the value was based on supply and demand.
• The “great leap forward”: Acknowledges the era about 35,000 years ago when two fundamental changes occurred: the development of modern anatomy, and the beginning of innovative behaviour. These two changed allowed humans to surpass their rivals and gain dominance over their environment.
• Paleolithic Society: Also known as the Old Stone Age, this is a period in which humans developed complex and integrated social patterns such as marriage, alliances, a social hierarchy, religious rituals, and artistic sophistication.
• Neolithic Revolution: Also known as the New Stone Age, it refers to a period after 9000 B.C.E. Humans began to use more-sophisticated tools and began to abandon their nomadic lifestyle for a sedentary one.
• Society: A system of human organizations that generates distinctive cultural patterns and usually provides protection, security, and continuity for its members.
• Urban Revolution: Characterized by large, densely packed urban centers that have a recognized hierarchy and a diverse economy. This is recognized as the era in which society became civilized and is one of the seven characteristics of a civilization.
What evidence suggests that the Neanderthals and Homo sapiens sapiens were not the same people.
- Modern anatomy - Innovative behaviour - Different pelvic structure - Advanced tool and weapon making - Neanderthals were more of a scavenger - Homo sapiens mastered water travel - Development of trade amongst Homo sapiens suggests an extensive communication network.
Describe how a Neanderthal would look compared with modern humans.
• Neanderthals were heavy set and muscular.
• Forearms and lower legs were shorter than ours, and heavily muscled.
• Their faces indicate heavy muscle development around the eyes and jaw.
• Lower jaws sunk back towards their chest.
Why was innovative behaviour important to the development of early human societies?
• Innovative behaviour allowed early humans to surpass competing species for survival.
• It allowed them to establish sedentary communities that extended their life span.
• It led to establishment of early civilizations.