Hominin Evolution: Species, Tools, and Cultural Developments

Australopithecus afarensis

3.7 - 2.5 MYA, Central East Africa, 430 cc cranial capacity, features include a foramen magnum almost central, steep forehead, brow ridge, large prognathism, undeveloped chin, long flattened cranium, U-shaped jaw, diastema present, large prominent canines, small molars & premolars, bowl-shaped pelvis with narrow hips, less wedge-shaped vertebrae, power & precision grip hand, sloping femur towards knee, and arms longer than legs. Diet: Opportunistic omnivores.

Australopithecus africanus

3 - 2 MYA, South Africa, 460 cc cranial capacity, features include U-shaped jaw, diastema not present, small and short canines, small molars & premolars, bowl-shaped pelvis with narrow hips, less wedge-shaped vertebrae, power & precision grip hand, sloping femur towards knee, and arms longer than legs. Diet: Opportunistic omnivores.

Paranthropus robustus

2 - 1 MYA, South Africa, 540 cc cranial capacity, features include a foramen magnum almost central, flatter forehead, brow ridge, large prognathism (slightly less than Australopithecus), undeveloped chin, sagittal crest, U-shaped jaw, diastema present, small canines, large molars & premolars, wider hips in bowl-shaped pelvis, more wedge-shaped vertebrae, power & precision grip hand, sloping femur towards knee, and arms longer than legs. Diet: Opportunistic omnivores.

Homo habilis

2 - 1.7 MYA, East Africa, 590 cc cranial capacity, features include a central foramen magnum, brow ridge, moderate prognathism (slightly less than P. robustus), undeveloped chin, parabolic jaw, no diastema, large canines, small molars & premolars, wider hips in bowl-shaped pelvis, more wedge-shaped vertebrae, precision grip hand, longer legs than arms. Cultural characteristics include Oldowan tools (choppers, scrapers, flakes, chisels), simple communication within group, and a diet mainly plant-based supplemented with some meat (scavenged & hunted), increasing meat content.

Homo erectus

1.7 MYA - 200,000 BP, Africa, Asia, Europe, 1,000 cc cranial capacity, features include a central foramen magnum, long flattened cranium, low forehead, brow ridge, moderate prognathism (slightly less than H. habilis), developed chin, parabolic jaw (wider than H. habilis).

H. habilis

An early human species known for small canines, smaller molars and premolars, and a pelvis with broad hip bones.

Acheulian

A tool culture characterized by more sophisticated tools, organized hunting techniques, and the construction of simple shelters.

H. neanderthalensis

A human species that existed from 200,000 to 30,000 BP, known for a larger brain size (1,485 cc) and distinct physical features like a brow ridge and occipital bun.

Mousterian

A tool culture associated with H. neanderthalensis, characterized by refined stone tools and evidence of social behaviors like burial of the dead.

H. sapiens

The species of modern humans that emerged around 160,000 BP, characterized by a smaller brain size (1,350 cc) and distinct physical features such as a vertical forehead and prominent chin.

Aurignacian

A cultural period (43,000 - 26,000 BP) marked by the creation of musical instruments, jewelry, and advanced blade tools.

Solutrean

A cultural period (22,000 - 19,000 BP) known for the use of flint and stone tools, particularly laurel-leaf blades.

Magdelenian

A cultural period (18,000 - 12,000 BP) noted for portable art, coordinated hunting techniques, and advanced tools made from bone and antler.

Neolithic

A period beginning around 12,000 BP marked by the domestication of plants and animals and the beginning of civilization.

Precision grip

A hand adaptation characterized by a longer thumb and straighter fingers, allowing for more dexterous manipulation of objects.

Foramen magnum central

A feature of the skull indicating bipedalism, where the hole for the spinal cord is located centrally.

Diastema

A gap between teeth, which is absent in H. habilis, H. neanderthalensis, and H. sapiens.

Brow ridge

A prominent ridge above the eye sockets, characteristic of H. neanderthalensis.

Occipital bun

A protrusion at the back of the skull, found in H. neanderthalensis.

Parabolic dental arch

A wider dental arch shape seen in H. neanderthalensis and H. sapiens.

Burial of the dead

A practice indicating belief in an afterlife, observed in H. neanderthalensis.

Big game hunting

A hunting strategy focused on large animals, such as woolly mammoths, practiced by H. neanderthalensis.

Collective learning

The process of sharing knowledge and skills within a group, beginning in early human societies.

Flake tools

Tools made by striking flakes from a core, used for various purposes including clothing preparation.

Bone tools

Tools made from animal bones, used in various aspects of daily life by early humans.

Trade between groups

The exchange of goods and resources between different human groups, emerging during the Neolithic period.

Domestication

The process of adapting wild plants and animals for human use, beginning in the Neolithic.

Specialisation of roles

The division of labor among individuals in a society, leading to increased efficiency and productivity.