Oldowan Toolmakers and Human Life History

A collection of vocabulary flashcards to help review key concepts from the lecture on Oldowan Toolmakers and Human Life History.

Australopit

Two different species branching off australopithocene with adaptations for running and different jaw structures.

Turnover Pulse Hypothesis

The appearance of two lineages and disappearance of the previous genus driven by climate change.

Encephalization Quotient

A measure of brain size relative to body size that indicates cognitive ability.

Homo habilis

Known as 'Handy Man,' it had a brain capacity of 610 cc and lived approximately 2.6 million years ago.

Oldowan Tools

The earliest stone tools, characterized by simple percussion methods for creating flakes used for cutting.

Acheulean Tools

More sophisticated tools developed around 1.4 million years ago, created by making large flakes and refining their edges.

Upper Paleolithic Tools

Advanced tools used around 40,000 years ago, requiring multiple steps and made from various materials like bone, stone, and shell.

Cognitive Development in Early Homo

Increased brain size in early Homo species correlates with enhanced tool sophistication and cognitive abilities.

Expensive Tissue Hypothesis

Theory suggesting that meat consumption allowed for increased brain size due to higher energy availability.

Sexual Dimorphism

Differences in physical appearance between males and females in a species, influencing division of labor in early human societies.