Human Evolution

Human EvolutionBy: Mr. Fletcher and Mr. Kelly

Chimpanzees are the closest living relatives of humans and share nearly 99 percent of

our DNA!

Mutations – Osteogenesis Imperfecta

What are general adaptations of Primates?

1) Enlarged Brains2) Opposable Thumbs – allows use of basic tools3) Complex social systems4) Adapted to living in trees – Safe from attack,

and source of food5) Teeth (4-cusped)6) Flexible shoulder, rotating forearm7) Eyes facing forward (predator adaptation) -Depth perception

1) Enlarged Brains2) Opposable Thumbs – allows use of basic tools3) Complex social systems4) Adapted to living in trees – Safe from attack,

and source of food5) Teeth (4-cusped)6) Flexible shoulder, rotating forearm7) Eyes facing forward (predator adaptation) -Depth perception

How have humans further evolved from other primates?

1) Bi-pedalism 2) Pelvic Bones – Due to differences in stature3) Less Hair – Because of bi-pedalism4) Skull/ Brain Size – Even larger than the other

primates. (Human ~1300cc, gorilla ~500cc)5) Spinal Column Position6) Larger Pelvic opening because of larger heads.7) Humans can extend thumb further across the

hand, giving them exceptional ability to grasp and manipulate objects.

Spinal Column Position

1) Bi-pedalism 2) Pelvic Bones – Due to differences in stature3) Less Hair – Because of bi-pedalism4) Skull/ Brain Size – Even larger than the other

primates. (Human ~1300cc, gorilla ~500cc)5) Spinal Column Position6) Larger Pelvic opening because of larger heads.7) Humans can extend thumb further across the

hand, giving them exceptional ability to grasp and manipulate objects.

Why do humans ‘control’ the World?Our ‘massive’ brains allow us to...• Use multiple complex languages• Have highly evolved social behaviours• Design and craft sophisticated tools

Referenceshttp://www.scientificamerican.com/media/inline/what-makes-us-human_1.jpg

http://www.gghjournal.com/volume23/2/images/feature2.jpg

http://blog.oregonlive.com/pdxgreen/2008/02/chimp.jpg

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E8BpJEni77I/SZmbTvpe8ZI/AAAAAAAAIIY/CfBiwF8garc/s400/bushchimp.jpg

http://www.commquest.at/comenius/images/language_books.gif

http://www.toothclub.gov.hk/en/images/en_1_1_4_img2.jpg