Project
Students are currently working in groups to create a poster about one of our early human ancestors. The project will be due on Tuesday/Wednesday, and each group will do a short presentation about the poster. Each student has been given these handouts:
- Early Hominids Poster Project Directions – grading criteria for the project.
- Scientific Observation Worksheet – each student must complete these research notes about their topic.
Quiz Review Notes
During the presentations on Tuesday/Wednesday, students will takes notes about the other topics. Later in the week, students will take a quiz about what was covered during the presentations. Here are some notes that students may study for the quiz.
Australopithecus Afarensis (southern ape from the Afar Triangle of Ethiopia) – lived in east Africa 3-4 million years ago. Once thought to be our earliest human-like ancestor (now believed to Ardipithecus Ramidus). A. Afarensis was a biped, meaning they walked on two feet, so they could carry objects with both arms. A famous example is Lucy, who was discovered in 1974.
Homo Habilis (handy man) – lived throughout Africa 1.5 – 2 million years ago. Used simple tools such as digging sticks and sharpened stones for cutting and scraping. Brains were twice the size of A. Afarensis.
Homo Erectus (upright man) – lived from 1.8 million years ago until 200,000 years ago. First hominid to migrate out of Africa and remains have been found in Europe and Asia, and most famously on the island of Java. They were able to control fire, and probably used it to cook meat. They could also build small huts for shelter.
Homo Sapiens Neanderthalensis (Neanderthal man, wise man of the Neander Valley, Germany) – lived from 230,000 – 30,000 years ago throughout Europe and parts of Asia. Had much larger brains than previous hominids and could make a wide range of tools. They lived and hunted together in communities and had funeral rituals when someone passed away. They possibly co-existed with early modern humans. It is not known why they died out, but it is possible they couldn’t compete for resources against the early modern humans who had bigger brains and better technology.
Home Sapiens Sapiens (Doubly-wise man) – early modern humans date back to 35,000 years ago. They began in Africa and eventually spread throughout the entire world. They created much more complex tools and shelters. They were the first hominids to create art and were responsible for the cave art we have been studying in class. They developed language, which probably played an important role in the development of their complex tools and art.