NCEA level 3 Bio: Biological Evolution

H. sapiens

160,000 ya to present, 1200-1700cc brainsize, used upper Palaeolithic tools, buried dead

Hominins

The group consisting of all modern humans, extinct human species, and all immediate human ancestors

Broca's area

Brain area for speech development

Foramen magnum

Opening of skull where spinal cord passes through

S-shaped

Spine shape in bipeds

C-shaped

Spine shape in quadrupeds

Valgus angle

Angle formed by the femur with pelvis allowing knees to be closer than hip joints

Arched foot

Shock absorbing property for bipedal motion

A. afarensis

3.9-3.0 mya Chimpanzee-like skull, more human-like teeth, human-like pelvis and thigh bones, stood 1.5m

Biological evolution

Passing down of genetic information

Wernicke's area

Brain area for langauge comprehension

Nuchal crest

Bony ridge across back of skull where muscles supporting head are attached

Sagittal crest

Ridge running lengthwise along top of skull where jaw muscles are attached

H. habilis

2.4-1.5 mya first stone tool users (Oldowan), 500-800cc brain size, some indication of Broca's area development, small incisors and canines and small molars

H. erectus

1.8mya - 300,000 ya 750-1250cc brainsize, prominent brow ridges, no sagittal crest, used Acheulean tools (choppers, hand-axes, scrapers) used fire, improvement of communication

H. neanderthalensis

200,000-28,000 ya Mousterian tools, 1200-1750cc brainsize, occipital bun, brow ridges, lived in cold conditions, buried dead, cared for injured

Cultural evolution

Passing down of knowledge from generation to generation through communication and learning from others

Hominid

The family that contains all modern great apes, extinct great apes, and modern humans

Quadrupedal

Habitually walks on four limbs

Bipedalism

Habitually walking upright, on two legs

Diastema

Space on upper tooth row in apes for larger lower canine tooth to fit into

Short and wide pelvis

Supports organs and provides better muscle attachment and balance

Precision grip

Important for making tools and having dexterity

Advantages of bipedalism

Free hands, heat regulation, efficient over distance, see further

Still learning (10)

You've begun learning these terms. Keep up the good work!