The universe is constructed from a multitude of
various materials. It is dynamic in form and shape due to a multitude of
various processes and interactions between these materials. To the human,
however, in his need to establish his place and purpose in the universe, the
most important material is biological and the most important process is
evolution, far it is only here that the human can learn to understand himself,
an understanding that is vital to his survival.
Evolution is the process by which human beings developed on Earth from now-extinct primates. The record of human evolution extends back more than 6
million years to the point when our lineage split from the chimpanzees, our
closest living relatives. Although Homo Sapiens is the only surviving human
species, we are a part of a large family tree .The fossil record has so far
revealed evidence for more than 20 species of ancient human relatives(homonins)
Early
footprints were found by archaeologist Mary Leakey in her scientific expedition
in the region of Laetoli in Tanzania in South Africa in 1970’s.In 1978,they
found that these resembled those of modern humans preserved in volcanic ash. These
were made by human like beings called australopithecines .Humans and other
creatures that walk upright are called Hominids.
Before the australopithecines
vanished, new hominids appeared in East Africa around 2.5 million years ago, these
are called Homo habilis which means “man of skill” because it is believed that
they used tools to cut meat and crack open bones. Tools made survival much easier.
About 1.6 million years ago, before Homo habilis left the scene, another
species called Homo erectus or ”upright man” appeared in East Africa. These people used
intelligence to develop technology. They were skilful hunters and invented more
sophisticated tolls for scraping and cutting. They also eventually became the
first hominids to migrate from Africa. They were the first to use fire which
gave them warmth and also helped them to cook food. The control over fire also
helped them settle in new lands.
Homo
erectus eventually developed into Homo sapiens meaning “wise men”. While
physically they were similar to Homo erectus, but the size of their brain was
much larger. Scientists have traditionally classified Neanderthals and
Cro-Magnons as early groups of Homo sapiens. Neanderthals were powerfully
built. Evidence suggests that they tried to explain and control their world. They
also developed religious beliefs and performed rituals. They were also very resourceful. They survived harsh winters by living in
caves or temporary shelters made of wood and animal skins. Cro-Magnons emerged
about 40,000 years ago. Their skeletal remains show they were similar to modern
humans. Their superior hunting strategies allowed them to survive more easily. This
may have cause Cro-Magnon population to grow at a slightly faster rate and eventually
replace Neanderthals. Their advanced skill of the spoken language also
gave them an edge over Neanderthals.
Scientists
are still continuing to work at numerous sites in Africa .Their discoveries
change our views of the still sketchy picture of human origins in Africa and of
the migration of early humans out of Africa.
References:
http://www.onelife.com/evolve/manev.html
humanorigins.si.edu/resources/intro-human-evolution
http://www.nhm.ac.uk/nature-online/life/human-origins/modern-human-evolution/early-beginnings/
