The Beginning of EarthThe Beginning of Earth

Origins of LifeOrigins of Life

How it began?How it began?

4.6 billion years ago planet Earth was formed

4 billion years ago subduction zones created volcanic chains

Volcanic chains created small continents

Small continents collided to form large continents

4.6 billion years ago planet Earth was formed

4 billion years ago subduction zones created volcanic chains

Volcanic chains created small continents

Small continents collided to form large continents

What goes around, comes around!

What goes around, comes around!

There is a cycle of convergence and divergence of continents.

Presumably, continents have come together and separated several times in our Earth’s history.

There is a cycle of convergence and divergence of continents.

Presumably, continents have come together and separated several times in our Earth’s history.

Pangaea….pandemonium!Pangaea….pandemonium!

200 million years ago, all the continents were locked together in a super continent called Pangaea.

Pangaea began to break apart about 190 million years ago.

200 million years ago, all the continents were locked together in a super continent called Pangaea.

Pangaea began to break apart about 190 million years ago.

Get my Drift? Get my Drift?

The continents are currently on the move

The continents move at a rate slower than a human fingernail grows. The fastest rate is about 15 cm per year.

The continents are currently on the move

The continents move at a rate slower than a human fingernail grows. The fastest rate is about 15 cm per year.

Sea Ya LaterSea Ya Later

The Atlantic ocean is getting wider due to seafloor spreading.

The Pacific ocean is getting smaller due to subduction.

Therefore, Asia and North America are curretly getting closer to each other.

The Atlantic ocean is getting wider due to seafloor spreading.

The Pacific ocean is getting smaller due to subduction.

Therefore, Asia and North America are curretly getting closer to each other.

Signs of Life!Signs of Life!

350 billion years ago blue-green algae appeared. This was the first sign of life.

500 to 425 million years ago (mya) all organisms were aquatic.

The first vertebrates (fish) appeared about 500 mya.

350 billion years ago blue-green algae appeared. This was the first sign of life.

500 to 425 million years ago (mya) all organisms were aquatic.

The first vertebrates (fish) appeared about 500 mya.

Flora and FaunaFlora and Fauna

The first land dwelling organisms appeared at about 430 mya. These were plants.

420 mya millipedes appeared. They were the first land animals.

350 mya primitive ferns appeared. These were the first plants with roots.

The first land dwelling organisms appeared at about 430 mya. These were plants.

420 mya millipedes appeared. They were the first land animals.

350 mya primitive ferns appeared. These were the first plants with roots.

Dino-mite!Dino-mite!

200 mya the first dinosaurs appeared. This was during the Jurassic Period of the Early Mesozoic eara.

Pangea began to break up about the time dinosaurs were at their peak.

Dinosaurs became extinct 65 million years ago

200 mya the first dinosaurs appeared. This was during the Jurassic Period of the Early Mesozoic eara.

Pangea began to break up about the time dinosaurs were at their peak.

Dinosaurs became extinct 65 million years ago

Mammal maniaMammal mania

The first mammals appeared around the same time as dinosaurs (200 mya).

The first mammals were mouse-sized and warm blooded.

Early mammals ate worms, insects and some plants.

Mammals lived in a world dominated by reptiles.

The first mammals appeared around the same time as dinosaurs (200 mya).

The first mammals were mouse-sized and warm blooded.

Early mammals ate worms, insects and some plants.

Mammals lived in a world dominated by reptiles.

Everything ChangesEverything Changes

Animals have changed over time, in part, due to continental drifting.

Climate changes when a continent moves.

Animals must adapt to their new environment or they will die.

Animals that have adapted will have offspring with similar characteristics.

Animals have changed over time, in part, due to continental drifting.

Climate changes when a continent moves.

Animals must adapt to their new environment or they will die.

Animals that have adapted will have offspring with similar characteristics.

EvolutionEvolution

Evolution is a process that results in heritable changes in a population spread over many generations.

In other words….. The most useful traits are passed on to future generations. These traits become standard.

Evolution is a process that results in heritable changes in a population spread over many generations.

In other words….. The most useful traits are passed on to future generations. These traits become standard.

All in the FamilyAll in the Family

Three lineages developed from the first mouse-like mammal. 1. Monotremes: Mammals that lay

eggs (platypus) 2. Marsupials: Mammals that rear

their young in the female’s pouch (kangaroo)

3. Placentals: Mammals whose young are carried in the mother’s womb until fully developed (primates, humans)

Three lineages developed from the first mouse-like mammal. 1. Monotremes: Mammals that lay

eggs (platypus) 2. Marsupials: Mammals that rear

their young in the female’s pouch (kangaroo)

3. Placentals: Mammals whose young are carried in the mother’s womb until fully developed (primates, humans)

PrimatesPrimates

There are three major kinds of primates 1) Prosimians

2) Monkeys

3)Apes

There are three major kinds of primates 1) Prosimians

2) Monkeys

3)Apes

ProsimiansProsimians

A type of primate

Includes bush babies, tarsiers and lemurs

A type of primate

Includes bush babies, tarsiers and lemurs

Monkeyin’ AroundMonkeyin’ Around

Two basic groups of monkeys: 1)New World monkeys: From South

and Central America. Flat nosed. Strictly arboreal (spends most of time in trees) Use tails as a prehensile limb.Prehensile- An appendage that has

adapted for grasping or holding (elephant trunk, horse lips, giraffe tongues) Example: spider monkey

Two basic groups of monkeys: 1)New World monkeys: From South

and Central America. Flat nosed. Strictly arboreal (spends most of time in trees) Use tails as a prehensile limb.Prehensile- An appendage that has

adapted for grasping or holding (elephant trunk, horse lips, giraffe tongues) Example: spider monkey

Spider MonkeySpider Monkey

More monkeyin’ aroundMore monkeyin’ around

Two basic groups of monkeys: 2) Old World monkeys: Downward

turned noses. Both arboreal and terrestrial. Do not use tails as a prehensile limbs. Examples: Colobus monkeys and rhesus monkeys.

Two basic groups of monkeys: 2) Old World monkeys: Downward

turned noses. Both arboreal and terrestrial. Do not use tails as a prehensile limbs. Examples: Colobus monkeys and rhesus monkeys.

Old World MonkeysOld World Monkeys

Breakin’ up is hard to do!Breakin’ up is hard to do!

The two groups of monkeys were separated due to continental drift.

When Pangea broke up (190 mya) the northern group of continents (Laurasia) broke apart from the southern continents (Gondwana).

The two groups of monkeys were separated due to continental drift.

When Pangea broke up (190 mya) the northern group of continents (Laurasia) broke apart from the southern continents (Gondwana).

Breakin’ up is hard to do!Breakin’ up is hard to do!

Next, Gondwana broke into three parts: Africa-South America, Australia-Antarctica, and India.(167 mya)

The New World monkeys evolved in South America. (38-25 mya)

The Old World monkeys evolved in Africa.(38-25mya)

Next, Gondwana broke into three parts: Africa-South America, Australia-Antarctica, and India.(167 mya)

The New World monkeys evolved in South America. (38-25 mya)

The Old World monkeys evolved in Africa.(38-25mya)

ApesApes

The final type of primate is the ape.

We, along with the apes, are considered hominoids.

We are both cousins of the Old World monkeys.

Examples: Gibbons, oranguatans, chimps and gorilla

The final type of primate is the ape.

We, along with the apes, are considered hominoids.

We are both cousins of the Old World monkeys.

Examples: Gibbons, oranguatans, chimps and gorilla

Primo PrimatesPrimo Primates

Characteristics of Primates: Hand and arm flexibility Visual acuity Care of young Uprightness

Primates developed these characteristics because of their arboreal existence

Characteristics of Primates: Hand and arm flexibility Visual acuity Care of young Uprightness

Primates developed these characteristics because of their arboreal existence

HominidsHominids

Members of the human family, Hominidae.

Hominid skull was first discovered in 1924 in South Africa

Had features that were different from modern and ancient apes

Named “australopithecines” which means “southern ape”

Members of the human family, Hominidae.

Hominid skull was first discovered in 1924 in South Africa

Had features that were different from modern and ancient apes

Named “australopithecines” which means “southern ape”

Australo….what?Australo….what?

Characteristics of australopithecines:

Within the species, size and characteristics varied greatly.

Brain case is higher and more rounded than in apes

Entry of the spinal column and pelvic shape indicated upright posture

Canine teeth are small, not protruding like the ape’s

Characteristics of australopithecines:

Within the species, size and characteristics varied greatly.

Brain case is higher and more rounded than in apes

Entry of the spinal column and pelvic shape indicated upright posture

Canine teeth are small, not protruding like the ape’s

Astralo….what?Astralo….what?

Oldest known astralopithecine is “Lucy” a. afarensis-- 3.2 million years old

Lucy was an adult female. She was about 3.5 feet tall and weighed about 50 pounds.

Other astralopithecines (of the same species) were twice as large as Lucy.

Oldest known astralopithecine is “Lucy” a. afarensis-- 3.2 million years old

Lucy was an adult female. She was about 3.5 feet tall and weighed about 50 pounds.

Other astralopithecines (of the same species) were twice as large as Lucy.

Handy manHandy man

Homonid that lived 1.75 mya Different from australopithecines

(Lucy), but may have lived around the same time

Named Homo habilia, which means “tool builder”

Homonid that lived 1.75 mya Different from australopithecines

(Lucy), but may have lived around the same time

Named Homo habilia, which means “tool builder”

Handy manHandy man

Larger brain case that is shaped differently than a. afarensis (Lucy)

Found with many primitive tools: slicers, pounders, choppers. These were the first tools to be made from stone.

Used tools for food preparation and possible to kill small prey

Larger brain case that is shaped differently than a. afarensis (Lucy)

Found with many primitive tools: slicers, pounders, choppers. These were the first tools to be made from stone.

Used tools for food preparation and possible to kill small prey

Walk it off!Walk it off!

Bipedalism is the ability to walk on two feet Bipedalism is what led us to “humanness”

rather than intelligence Human bipedalism did not evolve out of the

need to have hands free to work with tools. Bipedalism occurred more than a million

years before our ancestors made and used tools.

Bipedalism is the ability to walk on two feet Bipedalism is what led us to “humanness”

rather than intelligence Human bipedalism did not evolve out of the

need to have hands free to work with tools. Bipedalism occurred more than a million

years before our ancestors made and used tools.

Walking TallWalking Tall

Homo erectus: (“upright man”) Lived 1.6 mya

Larger brain capacity than “handy man” Skull was thick with a low forehead.

“Upright man” had large teeth and jaws (compared to modern humans)

H. erectus was similar in size to modern humans, but with a larger, thicker skull.

“Upright man” is very different from “handy man” though only 200,000 years may have separated them. Did they exist side by side?

Homo erectus: (“upright man”) Lived 1.6 mya

Larger brain capacity than “handy man” Skull was thick with a low forehead.

“Upright man” had large teeth and jaws (compared to modern humans)

H. erectus was similar in size to modern humans, but with a larger, thicker skull.

“Upright man” is very different from “handy man” though only 200,000 years may have separated them. Did they exist side by side?

Tool manTool man

Homo erectus fashioned more sophisticated tools, such as a hand ax

Homo erectus was able to control fire H. erectus lived in the mouth of a cave Fossils of H. erectus have been found in

Java (Java man), Peking (Peking man), Africa, India, China and Southeast Asia.

H. erectus tools have been found in Europe

Homo erectus fashioned more sophisticated tools, such as a hand ax

Homo erectus was able to control fire H. erectus lived in the mouth of a cave Fossils of H. erectus have been found in

Java (Java man), Peking (Peking man), Africa, India, China and Southeast Asia.

H. erectus tools have been found in Europe

Wise GuyWise Guy

Three types of Homo sapiens (wise man)

ArchaicHomo sapiens neanderthalensisHomo sapiens sapiens

Three types of Homo sapiens (wise man)

ArchaicHomo sapiens neanderthalensisHomo sapiens sapiens

ArchaicArchaic

Little is known about archaic H. sapiens, as there are few fossils

Resembles H. erectus Possibly dates from 400,000 to

200,000 years ago

Little is known about archaic H. sapiens, as there are few fossils

Resembles H. erectus Possibly dates from 400,000 to

200,000 years ago

Such a Neanderthal!Such a Neanderthal!

H.S. Neanderthalensis lived about 150,000 to 35,000 years ago

Stood upright but had a more muscular build.

Had a brain capacity at least as large as ours.

Had a thick skull and low, heavy brow line

H.S. Neanderthalensis lived about 150,000 to 35,000 years ago

Stood upright but had a more muscular build.

Had a brain capacity at least as large as ours.

Had a thick skull and low, heavy brow line

Such a Neanderthal!Such a Neanderthal!

H.S. Neanderthalensis made sophisticated tools-- possibly even used them to make clothing

They took care of physical wounds, buried their dead, and possibly believed in an afterlife

They had fire, lived in caves and hunted large animals

They lived in Europe, Middle East and Asia Lived at the same time as archaic H. sapiens Disappeared suddenly 30,000 years ago

H.S. Neanderthalensis made sophisticated tools-- possibly even used them to make clothing

They took care of physical wounds, buried their dead, and possibly believed in an afterlife

They had fire, lived in caves and hunted large animals

They lived in Europe, Middle East and Asia Lived at the same time as archaic H. sapiens Disappeared suddenly 30,000 years ago

Really wise guy!Really wise guy!

H. sapiens sapiens includes all hominid fossils of the last 30,000 years

Early European H. sapiens sapiens were called Cro-Magnons (Cro-Magnum)

Had great tools-- they made tools from other tools

Created works of art

H. sapiens sapiens includes all hominid fossils of the last 30,000 years

Early European H. sapiens sapiens were called Cro-Magnons (Cro-Magnum)

Had great tools-- they made tools from other tools

Created works of art

Really wise guy!Really wise guy!

The Cro-Magnons (anatomically modern humans) left Africa about 100,000 years ago

Curreny research suggests that the Cro-Magnons replaced H. erectus and H.S. neanderthalensis as they miagrated

It is unclear if Cro-Magnons brought disease with them that eradicated the other members of H. sapiens

The Cro-Magnons (anatomically modern humans) left Africa about 100,000 years ago

Curreny research suggests that the Cro-Magnons replaced H. erectus and H.S. neanderthalensis as they miagrated

It is unclear if Cro-Magnons brought disease with them that eradicated the other members of H. sapiens

????????????

Evolution of humans and apes was not a linear process

Many “branches” on our family tree led to extinction

In other words, several species of the Hominid family didn’t make it! (ex. H. S. Neanderthalensis)

Many questions remain regarding the evolution and extinction of hominids

Evolution of humans and apes was not a linear process

Many “branches” on our family tree led to extinction

In other words, several species of the Hominid family didn’t make it! (ex. H. S. Neanderthalensis)

Many questions remain regarding the evolution and extinction of hominids