This National Geographic Special tells the story of human evolution. It presents some of the explosion of evidence gathered by anthropologists over the last 30-40 years as well as giving a broad impression of the several (but not all) types of fossil hominids.
It's now time to turn our attention to the fossil evidence for hominid evolution.
Although this video is now some 13 years out of date, it contains a lot of information which you'll find useful in attempting to construct an overall picture of when, how, and why hominids evolved from prehominid ancestors into hominids, and then into anatomically modern folks. In class lectures, we'll add to the data contained in the video, as well as elaborate on and/or correct some of the interpretations expressed in the video.
Before Watching the Video:
Watch the video and take notes. As you watch the video, look for the following:
Keep a BRIEF record of each type of hominid (e.g., Australopithecus -- both "gracile" and "robust'; Homo habilis; Homo erectus, etc.) noting the following:
1. What roles have Richard and Mary Leakey played in the study of hominid evolution?
2. When, how, and why did our fossil ancestors become habitual upright walkers? What connection is there between this development in our evolution and the use of tools? (Hint: "Lucy" and "the First Family" at Hadar; the footprints at Laetoli.)
3. What can hominid tooth-wear analysis tell us about diet and food preparation (if any)?
4. What can tools and use-wear analysis tell us about early hominid behavior (such as butchering techniques)?
5. More generally, what is the relationship between environment, behavior, and basic physical changes among our hominid ancestors? Be ready to discuss examples when we meet in class.
6. How has genetics helped us in the study of our evolution?
7. Briefly summarize what DNA research tells us about the geographical origins of modern Homo sapiens.
8. Jane Goodall completed a 27-year study of chimpanzees. How does the study of chimps help us understand our ancestors?
9. According to the video, what is the oldest, most complete hominid yet found? Describe it. According to your textbook, what is the oldest, most complete hominid yet found? Describe it.
10. What is especially significant about Homo erectus in the evolution of humankind?
11. Neanderthals ("cave people") were pre-modern peoples of Europe and parts of southwestern Asia. What is significant about them in the evolution of humankind?
12. The narrator in the video concludes that the entire picture of the evolution of humankind can never be known. Do you agree or disagree? Why?
13. The video discussed a number of different types of hominids (e.g., Australopithecus (both "gracile" and "robust'); Homo erectus, etc.). In the following box, briefly describe each hominid type in terms of its:
If you desire additional information about hominid evolution, try one of the following sites (but do so AFTER you've watched the video and submitted your answers).