Early Humans

Human Lineage: Early Human Ancestors

Australopithecus afarensis

Australopithecus afarensis

Australopithecus afarensis

Australopithecus afarensis

• Under 4 feet tall
• Walked on two legs
• Walked somewhat upright
• Brain 1/3rd the size of modern humans
• Jutting jaw, prominent (sticking out) brow, flared cheekbones
• Long arms, human-like legs

Australopithecus afarensis

• Maybe lived in small groups
• Able to work cooperatively
• Possibly used simple tools, like digging sticks
• Scavenged for their food
• Ate easily chewed food -- insects, eggs, fruit
• Lacked a spoken language

Homo habilis

Homo habilis

Homo habilis

Homo habilis

• Face similar to Australopithecus but larger brain
• Long, ape-like arms
• Possibly 5 feet tall; weighted about 100 pounds
• Brain half the size of modern humans, but larger than Australopithecus

Homo habilis

• Increased intelligence
• Lived together in small groups
• Made basic tools from stone and bone
• Could hunt instead of scavenging
• No evidence of spoken language -- used primitive gestures and simple sounds
• Made simple hut shelters from branches and stones

Homo erectus

Homo erectus

Homo erectus

Homo erectus

• Walked completely upright, without stooping
• Larger brain than Habilis
• Smooth, round forehead, single brow ridge, protruding jaw
• As tall and heavy as modern humans

Homo erectus

• Made sophisticated tools, like flint axes and tools with multiple uses
• Controlled fire -- could cook meat, could migrate to colder climates
• Lived in small groups
• Could coordinate group hunts

Homo neanderthalensis

Homo sapiens neanderthalensis

Homo sapiens neaderthalensis

Homo sapiens neanderthalensis

• Brains LARGER than modern human brains
• Lower, flatter heads than modern humans
• Thick, heavy bones and powerful muscles
• Stocky, short-limbed bodies
• Adapted for living in cold climates

Homo sapiens neanderthalensis

• Made several different types of tools, used for different tasks
• Hunted large animals in bands
• Cared for their sick, old, wounded
• Possible burial ceremonies and other rituals
• Built teepee-like shelters and stored food
• Limited speech; possessed a simple language

Homo sapiens

Homo sapiens sapiens

Homo sapiens sapiens

Homo sapiens sapiens

• Bodies were same shape and size as modern humans
• Could produce clear speed; advanced language
• Large brain, but SMALLER than Neanderthal's braimn

Homo sapiens sapiens

• Created over 100 new tools for engraving, sculpting, sewing, and hunting
• Created cave art and musical instruments
• Decorated clothing and bodies with beads and necklaces
• Built semi-permanent huts of stone, wood, and animal hides
• Advanced spoken language