Where did we come from Theory of Human

Where did we come from? Theory of Human Evolution

Our ancestor the Chimp • Many but not all modern Anthropologists (People who study human societies) theorize ( thinking based on science) that humans descend from Chimpanzees.

Charles Darwin • The English scientist Charles Darwin (18091882) was the first to suggest theory of evolution from apes to humans.

Some apes began to evolve about 10 million years ago • As the climate in Africa changed, Apes moved out of the forest into the grasslands to gather food. They evolved a bigger brain and walked upright. • The first was the Australopithicus

Homo Habilis 2 million years ago • Homo Habilis had a larger brain than Australopithicus and made tools. Homo Habilis’ face was longer and more human looking.

Homo Erectus about 200, 000 to 1. 6 million years ago • Had bigger brains than Homo Habilis • Used more tools and fire • Hunted for food • Homo Erectus eventually migrated to Asia and Europe.

Homo Erectus evolves and migrates to Asia and Europe

Neanderthal Man about 100, 000 years ago • Evolved from Homo Erectus • Lived in Northern Europe • Most closely resemble humans • Buried their dead • Looked after their sick

Homo Sapiens, Modern Humans • Evolved in Africa 100, 000 years ago • Migrated to Asia and Europe and later to the Americas • Large brain allowed the development of civilization

Last week, scientists announced the discovery of the oldest fossil skeleton of a human ancestor. The early human ancestor specimen that walked the Earth 4. 4 million years ago.

Not everyone believes in the Theory of Evolution • Religious Christians, Jews, Muslims and Native Peoples do not believe that humans descend from Apes. • Where did Chinese/Korean people come from? • Does your culture offer another theory?

We are going to study First Nations beliefs for the next week