Paleoanthropology

Introduced by Morgan in her Ted Talk clip, the aquatic ape hypothesis is an interesting take on human evolution. The hypothesis revolved around the idea that human beings evolved from “aquatic apes,” or our early ancestors who called that water their home. This hypothesis takes from the fact that humans share many characteristics with other marine mammals, such as being “naked,” having a layer of fat inside the skin, and having conscious control over breathing. Before this hypothesis, however, another theory for evolution existed, one that stated we were related to the apes. The theory was set in stone and agreed on, but when contradictory evidence came to light about microfauna from the same time period as our early ancestors, the theory was shattered. Once this theory was broken, the aquatic ape hypothesis came in to play, and it was starting to sound like a solid hypothesis despite the critics. Despite hearing of similar aquatic evolution ideas before, I have never been more intrigued in the hypothesis then I am now. It was interesting that this hypothesis only came when the original theory had been disproved and that it may have remained unspoken about had the microfauna not have been discovered. I had never given thought to whether I believed this hypothesis or not, but the evidence Morgan provided made me seriously consider the hypothesis. All of the evidence she provided was simple, and after hearing it, it seemed as if the hypothesis should have been…

Major Questions in Paleoanthropology: The First Art Three articles by Aubert, Joordens, and Vidal all display the beginnings of art which come from all over the world including Siberia, North Africa, South Africa, and Australia. The time period in which we have evidence of this art is called the Upper Paleolithic, which is considered to be what is commonly called “The Stone Age”. These articles describe early art as simple geometric engravings, paintings, stencils, and even portable stone…

Within the field of paleoanthropology, many controversial subjects and debates are intertwined in the field of study. The subject of what constitutes a new human species materializes tension within the field. The debates that arise from paleoanthropologist tend to be personal. This results from ambition and lifelong quests for recognition, funding, and fame, can make it difficult for paleoanthropologists to admit when they are wrong (Luskins). Therefore, research released by paleoanthropologist…

There are many definitions of the word story, but one definition in particular fits the topic of human origins perfectly; a narration of the events in the life of a person or the existence of a thing, or such events as a subject for narration. The story of human origin and the creation of human nature is a difficult story to tell, created by miniscule pieces of evidence and guesswork through paleoanthropology, and advances in the ability to look at and study DNA. Exactly where we came from and…

In this method we would look at what we know of humans in the past and compare it to humans in the present. Using paleoanthropology, primatology, and skeletal biology in order to look deeper into the changes being made. With the use of biological and geological background we can compare the environment of where we started and where we live today to see how it has altered and how we as a species have changed along with it in order to adapt. Another useful way to research the evolution would be by…

Physical Anthropology has, as stated above, a wide scope withing this field. Because of the context and complexity of human behavior and culture it is a must to have to many sub-fields. In recent studies, molecular anthropology has become a vital component of biological anthropology thus aiding in the concentration on human evolution, growth and development, and human adaptation. Additional fields include forensic anthropologist, which study the skeletal biology to assist in the…

government agencies. Some physical anthropologists can be privately have employed throughout different companies. Those who study primates are often in departments of biology or psychology or on the staffs of zoos or zoological research institutes Within the field of physical anthropology there are many different areas of focus. Paleoanthropology is one that studies the physical changes that we see in humans throughout time. Paleoanthropology studies the evolution of primates and hominids from…

there is evidence that they did not travel solidarity, and walked in small groups. The trails are believed to be left by the Australopithecus afarensis, the same species that Lucy, the oldest hominid that was discovered a few years before this breakthrough. These species inhabited the Earth from 3.9 to 2. Million years ago in Kenya and Tanzania, the same areas and time period and location where these footprints were imprinted. A. afarensis were the first human ancestors to diverge…

). East-West-Phylosophy. Cultural intelligence - World Cultures. Retrieved from http://www.1000ventures.com/business_guide/crosscuttings/cultures_east-west-phylosophy.html Nisbett, R. E. (2003). The Geography of Thought. New York: The Free Press. Sheedy, J. (2011). Pondering Life. Retrieved from http://www.drsheedy.com/book/ What is Evolution? (n.d.). Retrieved from Antiquity of man: http://www.antiquityofman.com/evolution.html What is the difference between eastern culture and western culture?…

reasoning behind fossils was due to the earth undergoing a succession of global disasters, e.g. floods, earthquakes and changes to the earths crust. Inherently, this brought upon mass extinction to all life forms and later new life forms appeared. In the realm of physical or biological anthropology, the center focus is the study of evolution of humans, their changeability and adaptations to handle environmental strains. Keeping an evolutionary perspective in the forefront, these individuals…