Human Origins in Africa

Ch. 1.1

Archeologists and scientists investigate the lives of early humans without access to written records

Archeologists learn about early humans by excavating traces of early settlements

Artifacts are remains, such as tools, jewelry, and other human-made objects

These items give us valuable information about prehistoric times

Scientists search for Human Origins

In 1978 Mary Leakey found prehistoric footprints in Tanzania, East African Nation

Explorers in Ethiopia found a complete skeleton of an adult female hominid, earliest hominid to date

Walking upright helped early hominids travel distances easier, also developed opposable thumbs, which was important for picking up objects and making tools

Scientists Search for Human Origins

Most impressive achievements in human history include: invention of tools, mastery of fire, development of language

2 parts of the Stone Age: Paleolithic and Neolithic

Paleolithic Age = Ice Age Homo habilis: man of skill, first

to make tools Homo erectus: developed

technology, used fire and cooked food, developed language

Progress During the Old Stone Age

Homo sapiens is the species name for modern humans

Traditionally classified Neanderthals and Cro-Magnons as Homo sapiens, but they are not ancestors of modern humans

Remains of Neanderthals have been found in Germany, other areas of Europe, and Southwest Asia

The Dawn of Modern Humans

Neanderthals tried to explain and control their world.

They developed religious beliefs and performed rituals, they were resourceful in surviving, using animal skins and temporary shelters made of wood to protect themselves during the ice age

Cro-Magnons’ were more advanced skill in spoken language and more difficult projects than the Neanderthals

The Dawn of Modern Humans

1994: fossils found in Ethiopia of a 2.33 million year old jaw, making it the oldest fossil belonging to the species of modern humans

1996: Neanderthal bone flute was found in Canada

As time progressed, early human’s skills and tools for surviving and adapting to their environment became more sophisticated.

The Dawn of Modern Humans