Hominin/Human Evolution Midterm 1.4

Adaptive radiation

The rapid diversification of a species into multiple forms to exploit different ecological niches.

Hominins

Members of the human lineage that includes modern humans and our closest extinct relatives.

Bipedalism

Habitual locomotion on two legs, a distinguishing characteristic of hominins.

Scavenging

The act of searching for and consuming the remains of dead animals left by other predators.

Paleoarchaeological evidence

Fossil animal bones and artifacts used to infer the behaviors and diets of early hominins.

Dietary indicators in teeth

Physical characteristics of teeth and jaws that reflect the dietary habits of hominins.

Sexual dimorphism

Differences in size or appearance between males and females of the same species.

Honing complex

A feature in some primates where canine teeth are sharpened against the opposite tooth.

High-energy diet

A diet that provides sufficient calories and nutrients to support large brain size and activity.

Brain energy costs

The significant amount of energy consumed by the brain relative to body mass.

Cut marks

Scratches on bones that indicate butchery with tools, suggesting hominin activity.

Tool use

The ability to create and utilize tools for various functions, including hunting and processing food.

Bipedal characteristics

Traits associated with walking on two legs, including changes in pelvis and lower limb structure.

Dietary shifts in Hominins

Changes in diet that reflect adaptations to different environments and food sources.

Arboreal lifestyle

Living or moving in trees; a trait associated with some early hominins before transitioning to ground habits.

Thermoregulation

The process that allows the body to maintain its internal temperature within certain boundaries.

Neuroenergetics

The study of the energy demands of the brain, particularly in relation to evolutionary adaptations.

Complete vs. fragmented skeletons

Context in which the completeness of skeletal remains may indicate hunting versus scavenging behavior.

Cultural behaviors

Behaviors that reflect learned practices, tools, and social interactions among hominins.

Fossil record

The collection of preserved remains and traces of organisms from the past that provide insights into evolution.