Defining “Humanness”An anthropological perspective

Evolutionary Theories• Jean-Baptiste Lamarck

created the first cohesive theory of evolution, whereby a chemical force drove organisms up a ladder of complexity

• Charles Darwin refined this theory into what is now considered the modern theory of evolution

Natural Selection• Natural selection: The

gradual biological process whereby traits are passed through generations in order to allow species to better adapt to– and survive in– their environment

• Evolution: The gradual change in inherited biological characteristics, resulting in diversity among populations over successive generations.

Main SpeciesArdipithecus Ramidus

• Aka “Ardi”• 4.4 million years old• Up to 4 feet tall,

100 pounds• Bipedal, but with

opposable toes to climb trees

• Most complete early hominid skeleton, even more complete than Lucy

Main Species

Australopithecus Afarensis• Aka “Lucy”

• 3.9-2.9 million years old• About 3 feet tall• Bipedal

Main Species

• 2.33-1.4 million years old

• Cranial capacity slightly less than half that of a modern human

• First to use crude stone tools

Homo Habilis

Homo Ergaster • 1.8-1.3 million

years old• Considered a direct

ancestor of…Homo Erectus • 1.8 million-300,

000 years old• Used stone tools

for cutting and chopping

Main SpeciesHomo Heidelbergensis

• 600-400, 000 years old

• Used stone tools similar to Homo Erectus

• Direct ancestor of…

Homo Neanderthalensis

• Existed between 600- 350, 000 years ago• Evidence of

populations having existed until 24, 000 years ago

• Thought to have interbred with another contemporary species, contributing to the DNA of…

Main Species

YOU!

Homo Sapiens• Anatomical modernity

about 200, 000 years ago

• Behavioural modernity about 50, 000 years ago

Adapting to Our Changing Environment

Adaptations made 50, 000 years ago

• Developing language• Agriculture- Farming and animal husbandry• Social structures, living within a society• Building complex shelters, communities,

architecture• Using more complex tools, technology• Art, science• Faith, religion

Thank You!