Archaic Humans: The History of the Different Prehistoric Species in the Genus Homo (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9798266431676)

The evolutionary path from the original primates to modern man is a long one and has taken many twists and turns, but naturally, as the fossil record grows, scientists gain a more complete understanding of our own mental and physical history in terms of genetics and anatomy. However, the correct order and relationships of the various specimen types are difficult to pin down. Many representative samples have been found in such minute amounts as to not preclude anomalies. They have been discovered in various stages of wear. Modern features did not occur simultaneously or uniformly, taking millions of years to become manifest in later types. Up to the present day's Homo sapiens, examples of the main types have been hybrids of older and more modern features.

One of the earliest species of the genus Homo to be discovered is Homo habilis, which basically means "handy man." The name comes from the belief at the time of its discovery that this species was the first to start using stone tools. The first fossils to be uncovered in Olduvai Gorge were from the same stratigraphic layer as simple stone tools. Fossils of the crania and postcranial skeleton for this species have been found in both eastern and southern Africa and date to around 2.5-1.6 million years ago.

Given the gradual changes that take place in evolution, Homo habilis shares a number of characteristics that are similar to the genus Australopithecus, such as in the postcranial elements. That said, the size and shape of the Homo habilis skull are markedly different. The size of the brain is much larger relative to the size of the body, being around 680 cc. In order to house a larger brain, the skull features a more vertical frontal bone, creating a more vertical forehead. The brow ridges that sit on the lower portion of the frontal bone are also reduced in size. Other reductions in the face include reduced prognathism and a reduction in the size of the premolars and molars.

There is a wide variation of traits found in this species, and given the fragmentary nature of some of the elements, it is possible that they belong to other species of Homo like Homo rudolfensis. Another possibility is that sexual dimorphism was more pronounced in Homo habilis than previously thought.

What is generally accepted is that Homo habilis was capable of making stone tools. These tools were flakes that were broken off from a core and had sharp edges. These tools could serve a number of purposes, such as cutting up the remains of an animal or cleaning its skin. But while Homo habilis almost certainly used tools, scholars still debate which species of Homo actually began making stone tools first since the species Homo rudolfensis also lived during the same time.

While the facial features of Homo erectus would have made them noticeably different if they were alive today, their postcranial morphology may have been similar to modern humans. A key difference is the density or thickness of the bones; in Homo erectus the limb bones are more robust, but otherwise they appear very similar to modern humans. The length of the hindlimbs in relation to the arms is similar to modern humans, which means that Homo erectus may have been able to walk in a similar way. (Richtmire 1993: 57-84). This may or may not be linked with the widespread distribution of Homo erectus.

Perhaps more important for Homo erectus than simply being able to walk out of Africa would have been the ability to adapt to changing climates and essentially modify the environment around them. Most notably, the major advantage that Homo erectus would have had is the ability to control fire.

Author: Charles River
ISBN-13: 9798266431676
Publisher: Independently Published
Language: English
Published: 09/21/2025
Pages: 178
Format: Paperback
Weight: 0.94lbs
Size: 11.00h x 8.50w x 0.38d