Anthropology - Ch.5 Vocab

Anthropology

Molecular clock method

used to estimate the possible date of past species divergence , assuming a known rate of genetic change over time

Divergence

the emergence of two or more species that shared one common ancestor

Hominin

human, extinct human ancestor, or closely related species more closely related to modern humans than chimpanzees

Australopithecines

are members of the successful genus of hominins, which first evolved around 4.2 million years ago

Homo

is the genus to which humans belong, which first evolve 2.8 millions years ago

Miocene epoch

adaptive radiation of early apes

Pliocene epoch

evolution of fully bipedal hominins and the genus homo

Pleistocene epoch

beginning use of stole tools and the adaptive radiation of genus homo

Macroevolution

accumulation of evolutionary changes over long time frames, leading to the emergence of new species

Biological species concept

define species as a set of organisms that can mate with each other to produce fertile offspring

Mosaic

Identified species shows a mix of ancestral and later hominin characteristics

Post crania

refers to the bones of the skeleton below the cranium

Ardi

more complete female Ardipithecus ramidus specimen from 4.4 millions years ago

Paleoenvironmental reconstruction

the scientific determination of ancient environments in which fossils once lived

Prognathism

forward projection of face

Paranthropus

• robust version of Australopithecus, evolved from Lucy

• large molars and jaw muscles, specialized for tough diets

Homo habilis

• nicknamed “handy man” because they were the 1st to use tools frequently

• its discovery sparked the idea of homo as the 1st consistent tool maker and potential ancestor

Cultural transmission

passing down cultural elements such as behaviors and beliefs that are shared and taught to and learned by others

Cumulative culture

Traditions (such as tool use) that are built on and modified through time to expand and refine knowledge.