LAMFORD SCHOOL: Evolution & Culture (Video Notes)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from the lecture notes on evolution, brain development, and culture.

Evolution

The gradual change in populations over generations through variation, inheritance, and natural selection.

Cultural Evolution

The change of human culture over time, including beliefs, knowledge, customs, skills, attitudes, and language.

Cultural Adaptation

Modifications in culture that help humans survive environmental changes.

Gene-Culture Coevolution

The interconnected process by which cultural practices influence genetic evolution, and genetic changes influence cultural evolution.

Allen-Bergmann's Rule

Biological principles explaining how body size and shape vary with climate: larger bodies and shorter limbs in cold climates; smaller bodies and longer limbs in warm climates.

Physiological Adaptation

Changes in internal body functions or processes to cope with environmental stress (e.g., sweating, high-altitude breathing).

Anatomical Adaptation

Changes in the physical structure or form of the body (e.g., limb length, body size, facial features) in response to environment.

Australopithecus afarensis (Lucy)

Early bipedal hominin (~400 cc brain); commonly known as Lucy; discovered in Hadar, Ethiopia (1974); shows early tool use and potential symbolic behavior.

Homo habilis

Early Homo with a brain size ~510–752 cc; often regarded as the first tool makers; represents a transition toward modern humans.

Homo erectus

Early Homo with a brain size ~600–1015 cc; first to use fire and create more sophisticated tools; spread beyond Africa.

Neanderthals

Archaic humans with brain sizes ~1300–1500 cc; used tools and practiced symbolic behavior; inhabited Europe and western Asia.

Role of the Brain in Culture

Brain evolution enabled humans to create and understand symbols and language, cooperate in larger groups, develop beliefs/rituals/norms, and teach through storytelling.

Human Variation

Differences in physical traits, genetics, and characteristics among people across the world.

Bipedal Locomotion

Walking on two feet; a hallmark of early hominins that enabled tool use and wider range of movement.

Complementary Roles in Human Survival

Biological and cultural adaptations work together to help humans survive; culture can influence biology (gene-culture coevolution) and evolve rapidly.