Anthropology unit Flashcards
(31 cards)
What makes us human?
our unique biological traits (Bipedalism- walking on two legs, large Brain Size, tool Use
Opposable Thumbs) , our complex social behaviors (communication, cooperation), and our cultural heritage (rituals/traditions)
The mysteries of mankind video
What contributions did Raymond Dart make to our understanding of human evolution?
Discovered Australopithecus (southern ape of Africa)
Why is Olduvai Gorge called the Grand Canyon of human evolution and what did the Leakeys find there?
He’s called the grand canyon because it is a unique destination known for fossils and remains of stone tools. Louis and Mary Leakey found the skull of a hominid (Dear Boy) nearly 2 million y/o, older than any hominid fossil ever discovered before
How was the Leakey’s fossil dated?
the skull was covered with volcanic ash, it contained radioactive potassium which could be analyzed using accurate radiometric dating technology.
How can the behaviour of living primates teach us about these old fossils?
Bones can’t tell us the full story of how we may have acted. Observation of our closest relative, the chimps, might.
How do we differ from chimps, and how are we similar?
-both primates
Same: forward facing eyes, grasping hands, and complex social behaviors
Different: brain size, walking upright (help us carry things and see over tall grass)
Why did we become upright walkers?
the freeing of the hands to use and carry tools, threat displays, and changes in climate and habitat (from jungle to grassland).
Where did it happen?
Africa
What did Donald Johnson find?
Lucy, the most complete skeleton of australopithecus
What did Mary Leakey find in 1978 and why is this relevant?
Laetoli footprints (3.6 million y/o) which indicate upright walking hominids
What experiment did Tim White create and why?
-Created a replica of Lucy the skeleton and had people walk/run on a trackway
-He wanted to see if the way her bones were shaped would affect their walking and running patterns. This experiment proved that Lucy and hominins were bipedal
What did the experiment with orangutans prove?
Showed that they can adapt/learn to use tools and they can have problem solving skills
Why is the study of fossil teeth important?
-They act as time tellers
-They tell the individual’s age, health of a certain species, diet, and the species lifestyle
What contributions did Richard Leakey make to anthropology?
Discovered important hominin fossils in kenya like the “Turkana Boy”
Why is it important to understand how early man made and used tools?
Knowing how early humans made and used tools is crucial bc it shows their intelligence and adaptability in a time where they were not provided with many things
What do the Boxgrove discoveries reveal about the species that came after Homo Erectus?
They revealed that after Homo Erectus, there were early humans in Europe who were skilled hunters. They left behind tools/animal remains helping our understanding
What does Cabara Cave in Israel reveal about Neanderthal man?
Neanderthals were skilled hunters and used tools as well.
They left behind animal bones with cut marks, showing hunting and butchering skills
What did charles darwin discover?
Darwin is known for his theory of evolution by natural selection. He said that species evolve over time through a process where individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce
What can we learn from primatologists?
Jane Goodall
Studied chimpanzees in Tanzania. Discovered their use of tools, complex social behaviors, and emotional depth.
Dian Fossey
Studied mountain gorillas in Rwanda. Highlighted their social structure, gentle nature, and the threats they face from poaching.
Biruté Galdikas
Studied orangutans in Borneo. Revealed their solitary behavior, long child-rearing periods, and the impact of habitat destruction.
Human Similarities and Differences with Other Primates
