Introduction
The purpose of this paper is to inform the reader about the evolution of the first hominids and to look at some of the reasons that they became bipedal. From there, expand on what evidence has been found to support these hypothesis, and finally look at how these changes created both biological and geographical difference in the sub-species of hominids. This paper will detail each species in a high level overview so that the reader may gain a better perspective of what each species looked, acted, and lived like in its time.
Bipedalsim and early bipeds
Looking at what bipedalism meant for the early hominid was crucial when looking at survival in a new and changing world. Bipedalism meant that the hominids began to stand on two …show more content…
Afarensis was considered very ape like and had many primitive features that are associated with arborealism (Australopithecus, 2000). Africanus was next it was classified as having combined primitive characteristics with derived features associated with the human pad-to-side precision pinch and handling grips (Australopithecus, 2000). Anamensis lastly is a proximal hand phalanx that is curved and has strong ridges for the attachment of the flexor sheath (Leakey et al 1998). Both features are present in Australopithecus a farensis and are considered primitive and possibly indicative of climbing ability (Australopithecus, 2000). Now that the differences have been discussed as to what and where these different species started to evolve from it now can move into how it transitioned into genus homo. The shift from Australopithecus to Homo was marked by body and brain size increases, a dietary shift, and an increase in total daily energy expenditure. These shifts became more pronounced in H. erectus, but the transformation was not as radical as previously envisioned. Many aspects of the human life history package, including reduced dimorphism, likely occurred later in evolution (Origins, …show more content…
Encyclopaedia Online Academic Edition. http://www.britannica.com.proxy.missouristate.edu/, accessed March 16, 2014.
Australopithecus – Encyclopaedia Britannica
Encyclopaedia Britannica
2014 Australopithecus. Encyclopaedia Online Academic Edition. http://www.britannica.com.proxy.missouristate.edu/, accessed March 16, 2014.
Evolution and Prehistory: The Human Challenge
Haviland, William A, Dana Walrath, Harald E. L. Prins, and Bunny McBride
2014 Evolution and Prehistory: The Human Challenge. 10th edition. Belmont, CA.
Wadsworth.
Homo habilis – Encyclopaedia Britannica
Encyclopaedia Britannica
2014 Homo habilis.Encyclopaedia Online Academic Edition. http://www.britannica.com.proxy.missouristate.edu/, accessed March 16, 2014.
Homo erectus – Encylopaedia Britannica
Encyclopaedia Britannica
2014 Homo erectus. Encyclopaedia Online Academic Edition. http://www.britannica.com.proxy.missouristate.edu/, accessed March 16, 2014.
Australopitheucs to Homo: Transformations in Body and Mind
McHenry, Henry M. and Katherine Coffing
2000 Australopithecus to Homo: Transformations in Body and Mind. Annual Review of
`Anthropology
The purpose of this paper is to inform the reader about the evolution of the first hominids and to look at some of the reasons that they became bipedal. From there, expand on what evidence has been found to support these hypothesis, and finally look at how these changes created both biological and geographical difference in the sub-species of hominids. This paper will detail each species in a high level overview so that the reader may gain a better perspective of what each species looked, acted, and lived like in its time.
Bipedalsim and early bipeds
Looking at what bipedalism meant for the early hominid was crucial when looking at survival in a new and changing world. Bipedalism meant that the hominids began to stand on two …show more content…
Afarensis was considered very ape like and had many primitive features that are associated with arborealism (Australopithecus, 2000). Africanus was next it was classified as having combined primitive characteristics with derived features associated with the human pad-to-side precision pinch and handling grips (Australopithecus, 2000). Anamensis lastly is a proximal hand phalanx that is curved and has strong ridges for the attachment of the flexor sheath (Leakey et al 1998). Both features are present in Australopithecus a farensis and are considered primitive and possibly indicative of climbing ability (Australopithecus, 2000). Now that the differences have been discussed as to what and where these different species started to evolve from it now can move into how it transitioned into genus homo. The shift from Australopithecus to Homo was marked by body and brain size increases, a dietary shift, and an increase in total daily energy expenditure. These shifts became more pronounced in H. erectus, but the transformation was not as radical as previously envisioned. Many aspects of the human life history package, including reduced dimorphism, likely occurred later in evolution (Origins, …show more content…
Encyclopaedia Online Academic Edition. http://www.britannica.com.proxy.missouristate.edu/, accessed March 16, 2014.
Australopithecus – Encyclopaedia Britannica
Encyclopaedia Britannica
2014 Australopithecus. Encyclopaedia Online Academic Edition. http://www.britannica.com.proxy.missouristate.edu/, accessed March 16, 2014.
Evolution and Prehistory: The Human Challenge
Haviland, William A, Dana Walrath, Harald E. L. Prins, and Bunny McBride
2014 Evolution and Prehistory: The Human Challenge. 10th edition. Belmont, CA.
Wadsworth.
Homo habilis – Encyclopaedia Britannica
Encyclopaedia Britannica
2014 Homo habilis.Encyclopaedia Online Academic Edition. http://www.britannica.com.proxy.missouristate.edu/, accessed March 16, 2014.
Homo erectus – Encylopaedia Britannica
Encyclopaedia Britannica
2014 Homo erectus. Encyclopaedia Online Academic Edition. http://www.britannica.com.proxy.missouristate.edu/, accessed March 16, 2014.
Australopitheucs to Homo: Transformations in Body and Mind
McHenry, Henry M. and Katherine Coffing
2000 Australopithecus to Homo: Transformations in Body and Mind. Annual Review of
`Anthropology