Fossils of the family Hominidae
Jan 20, 2016
Australopithecus afarensis•3.9-3my•375-550 cc•Chimp-like skull with human-like teeth•post cranial skeletal structure morehuman-like•Bipedal•Africa
Lucy Junvenile Specimen
Australopithecus africanus•3-2 my•Very much like A. afarensis, but larger bodyand brain size.•420-500cc•jaw parabolic•Bipedal•Africa
Australopithecus africanus
Homo habilis “handy man”•2.4-1.5 my•500-800cc•Brain shape more human than Australopithecus•Face projects less than Australopithecus•Post cranial very human-like•First evidence of tool use •Africa
Oldwalan tools
Homo habilis
Homo erectus•1.8my to 300,000•Face still protrudes, thick eyebrows, no chin•750-1225cc•Post cranial=human•Evidence they used fire•Africa, Asia, and Europe•Tools more sophisticated than H. habilis
H. erectus toolsAcheulean handaxes
Homo sapiens neaderthalensis•230,000-30,000 yrs•1450cc•Protruding jaw and receding forhead•mid-facial protrusion•Post cranial human-like and heavy•First evidence of burials•Tools more sophisticated than H. erectus•Evidence of medical care•Europe and Middle East
Homo sapiens neanderthanlensis
Tools by H. sapiensMousterian Tools
Homo sapiens Modern•1350cc•195,000 yrs ago-today•Cro-Magnon 40,000 yrs tools become more sophisticated, made out of a varietyof materials such as bone, wood and antlers•First carved figures of animals and people•20,000 yrs first cave paintings•Over the last 100,000 yrs jaws and teeth have reduced and the skeletal structure hasbecome less robust.10,000 yrs Agriculture
Homo sapiens Cro-Magnon
Needle made of bone
As cranial size became larger, females with wider hips are more likely to survive childbirth; however, there is a limit to the widthof hips and staying bipedal. Thus babieswho are born more immature are favored.
Homo erectus Homo sapiens Cro-Magnon
Cave Painting Lascaux France
Websites
Time Space Chart
Summary of Hominid Line
Hominid Species