Human EvolutionThe Incredible journey

What is Evolution?Evolution:Change of the genetic

composition of a population over successive generations

It is a result of natural selection acing on the genetic variation and resulting in the development of new species

Our earliest ancestors diverged from apes

Many humanlike species, called hominids, have lived on Earth

What is Evolution?

Three principles involved;1. Microevolution

1. Occurrence and build up of mutations in the genetic sequence2. Natural selection

1. Natural mechanism 2. Fittest individuals survive long enough to breed and pass on

their genes3. “survival of the fittest”

3. Speciation1. Members of a species diverge/mutate to an extent that they

can no longer interbreed

Are we just glorified monkeys?SimilaritiesGenetics (98%), physiology,

anatomySusceptible to the same diseasesHave family groupsShow sexual dimorphismShow learnt behaviours

DifferencesWe are bi-pedal (walk

on two feet)We are terrestrial

(living on the ground)Change towards

being omnivores (eat meat and vegetation)

Brain size increasedStarted using tools

Are we just glorified monkeys?

Where did we come from?

Great Rift ValleyEarliest human remains found195 thousand years ago

Skhül cave (Israel)Oldest human remains found outside Africa100 thousand years agoSaharan forestClimate changes!Sahara and Saudi deserts become lush and forested125 thousand years ago

Evidence that the bodies were buriedandWith objects (shell beads)

This climate change also caused the sea level to fall30 km of sea became 11 km

Grunt, grunt grunt...

Where did we come from?