Key Concepts in Human Evolution

This set of flashcards covers essential vocabulary and concepts related to human evolution as discussed in the lecture.

Homo habilis

The first known species of the genus Homo, associated with toolmaking, existing between 2.4 and 1.4 million years ago.

Toolmaker

The meaning of the name 'habilis', indicating their association with tool use.

Jane Goodall

Paleoanthropologist who studied chimpanzees and provided evidence that tool use was not exclusive to humans.

Prognathic

Describing a face where the jaw sticks out, a characteristic of some hominin species.

Oldowan tools

The earliest known stone tools, associated with Homo habilis and dating back to about 2.6 million years ago.

Homo erectus

A successful species characterized by taller stature and the use of controlled fire, existing from 1.9 million to 110,000 years ago.

Island dwarfism

A phenomenon where large species become smaller in size due to limited resources on islands, relevant to Homo floresiensis.

Homo heidelbergensis

A species that existed between 1.3 million and 300,000 years ago, known for cooperative hunting and building shelters.

Neanderthals

A species that evolved from Homo heidelbergensis, existing from 400,000 to 40,000 years ago, with adaptations for cold environments.

Endocast

A replica of the interior of a skull, used to study the brain size and shape of hominin species.

Denisovans

An extinct species closely related to Neanderthals, sharing a common ancestor with modern humans.

Cannibalism in Neanderthals

Evidence suggests that Neanderthals practiced cannibalism, with some skeletons showing signs of butchering.

Caving culture

The cultural practices of Neanderthals, including building shelters and possibly creating art.

Bone marrow

A nutrient-rich substance sought by early hominins by breaking bones, resulting in energy-rich food.