4.7 Human Evolution U4 Flashcards
Describe protists?
Most = unicellular
Auto- or Heterotrophs
“Plant-like” or “Animal-like”
Some have:
Cell walls (cellulose)
Chloroplasts
Ex:
Amoeba, slime molds, paramecium
Describe Plants?
Multicellular
Autotrophs
Have:
Cell walls (cellulose)
Chloroplasts
Ex:
Trees, flowers, mosses, ferns
Vasc and nonvasc
Describe Fungi?
Most = multicellular
Heterotrophs
Decomposers!
Have:
Cell walls (chitin)
Ex:
Yeast, mushrooms, mold
Animal Evolution traits?
Multicellular
Invertebrates
Body cavities, organs, brain, digestive systems, etc!
Terrestrial
Arthropods first! Exoskeletons!
Chordates
Notochord!
Vertebrates
Backbone + skull!
Amniotes
First FULLY terrestrial!
Amniotic eggs!
What are primates?
Order within Class Mammalia (~55-65 MYA)
What are the basic Suite of traits for primates?
Eyes
Forward-facing, convergent
Trichromatic color vision
Large brains
Reduced nose/smell
Hands/feet
5 digits
Opposable thumbs/toes
Tactile pads, flat nails
Long/slow life/development
Social
What are hominidae?
Family of primates
What is the support for Hominidae language?
Anatomy: fossilized remains show that structure of larynx and shape of vocal tract could provide range in speech/vocalizations
Development of tools requires planning/communication
Hominids were social creatures- nonverbal communication (body language, facial expressions, etc) would be important in communication
Describe Hominidae?
Brains
Larger, complex
Intelligent behavior
Make and use simple tools
“Language “
Recognition
Larger size
No tail
What is bipedalism?
Walking on 2 feet
~1st: Australopithecus
What did bipedalism lead to?
More efficient way to travel/cover longer distances
Changes in the anatomy primarily in the lower extremities
Weight bearing femur
Feet helpful for shock absorption/stabilization
More use of upper extremities
Hands to use tools & objects
What are Australopithecus?
genus of extinct hominids that lived in Africa
First bipedal primate
Experienced increase in brain size over time
Primitive tool use
What are homo erectus
Increased brain size!
Larger size
Migrated out of Africa
Asia, Europe
More efficient walking
Tool use
Use of fire
Fossils have been found in more regions of the world (Africa, Asia, Europe).
Characteristics
Larger brains than previous hominids
More efficient walking- longer distance
Evident through limp proportions and pelvic shape
Tools
Like handaxes!
Most likely for food (cutting/butchering meats, plants)
Some scientists believe projectile weapons (spears) were developed during this period to aid in hunting/defense strategies
Fire
Archeologists have found hearth sites where homo erectus lived which contained burned bones, wood, ash, etc. Helpful for warmth, cooking, etc
What is lucy fossil and what is the significance of it?
Lucy is a famous fossil that belongs to this species
Significance
One of the most complete early hominid fossils found- great for studying anatomy
Provided evidence of bipedalism and timeline: adapted lower extremities
What are homo habilis
Increased brain size!
Use of tools
Likely some language
Are an extinct group of hominids, lived in East Africa (woodlands, grasslands). Diet consisted of meat/plants- tools helped with this!
Characteristics
Associated with earliest use of stone tools primarily used for handling meat (chopping, cutting)- demonstrates increased cognitive abilities!
