Hominidae

In the article, Let’s Stop Freaking Out About Artificial Intelligence, Eric Schmidt and Sebastian Thrun support the use of artificial intelligence (A.I.) and motivate the audience to accept the growth of artificial intelligence and to not be afraid of how technology will affect people’s daily lives. Schmidt and Thrun compare humanity’s way of learning to self-driving cars’ by stating, “[humans] rarely learn from mistakes of others” and “these cars can learn faster than people” (Par. 3). This…

In 2003, the remains of a small skeleton were found in a cave called Liang Bua on Flores, a small island in Eastern Indonesia. The individual was nicknamed LB-1 and originally scientists thought it was a child due to the size. However, when they took a closer look at the skull and teeth they realized it was the skull of an adult. Many scientists think this is a new species that they named homo floresiensis, but others argue that it is just a modern human with a mutation. Since 2003, bones and…

There is a variety of intermediate fossil evidence that supports the existence of Hominins and the progression through the australopithecine and homo genus. Before our bodies were shaped the way they are in modern times they used to be much different. In order to become the way they are early hominins went through a series of changes. One of these changes was that their hips got shorter (height wise) and they became more bowl shaped in order to better support body weight. Their feet also evolved…

The bonobo (Pan paniscus), formerly called the pygmy chimpanzee and less often, the dwarf chimpanzee, is an endangered great ape and one of the two species making up the genus Pan; the other is Pan Troglodytes, or the common chimpanzee. Although the name "chimpanzee" is sometimes used to refer to both species together, it is usually understood as referring to the common chimpanzee, whereas Pan paniscus is usually referred to as the bonobo. Fossils of Pan species were not described until…

Most mammals discern various chemical signals in the environment so that they may adapt their behaviour and response in order to improve their chances of survival. Although many higher order organisms utilize both olfaction and gustation for chemosensitivity, majority of animals rely on the former as the primary chemosensory modality (Reviewed from Lledo et al, 2005). The mammalian olfactory system controls a plethora of functions such as homeostasis, emotions such as fear, anger, pleasure and…

The evolution of primate cone pigments raises interesting general questions in evolutionary genetics, and is reviewed extensively elsewhere (Jacobs, 1996, Nathans, 1999 and Surridge et al., 2003). Most mammals are dichromatic with L (long wavelength) and S (short wavelength) cone pigments, but Old-World monkeys (Catarrhini) and howler monkeys (Alouatta spp.) independently duplicated the single ancestral LWS/MWS gene, which is on the X-chromosome, to give separate LWS and MWS pigments. Pigment…

A virtual unrest happened in the formation of craftsmanship amid the time of the Upper Paleolithic in Europe. Starting around 40,000 B.C., the archaeological record demonstrates that anatomically advanced people successfully supplanted Neanderthals and remained the sole primate occupants crosswise over mainland Europe. At about the same time, and specifically connected to this improvement, the most punctual workmanship was made. These starting innovative accomplishments can be categorized as one…

The Australopithecus anamensis was one of the early human ancestors who lived approximately 4.2 to 3.9 million years ago. This hominid was found on the Eastern of Africa, such as the Middle Awash in northern Ethiopia and in Lake Turkana in Kenya. The word Australopithecus is the genus name, and it literally means ‘Southern Ape’ (coming from the Latin word ‘australo’ = ‘southern’ and a Greek word ‘pithecus’ = ‘ape’). The word anamensis comes from the word ‘anam’ (meaning ‘lake’ in the Turkana…

Most people assume that gorillas are strong and durable creatures that could withstand anything. While gorillas are certainly strong, their survival requires a delicate balance of a safe habitat and a healthy, natural diet. There are many different types of gorillas and each species requires different needs based on their region. In particular, many of the gorillas in Africa are dwindling in numbers due to threats upon their natural habitat. According to Endangered Species…

The Australopithecus is an extinct hominin that lived between 3.9 and 2.9 million years ago. They were believed to have lived in Africa. These lived from 3.9 to 2.9 million years ago. They had a small braincase, and a small brain. They have an ape like face including a flat nose, and a strong projecting lower jaw. They had long strong arms with curved fingers which helped them climb trees. They also had small canine teeth and a body that stood on two legs and can walk upright. The…