As the scientific evidence early humans appeared about 4 million years ago.For millennia, they have evolved, that is perfected not only in terms of the development of primitive society, but also externally.Historical anthropology divides primitive people for a few species, which have consistently replaced each other.What are the anatomical features of each type of primitive people, and in what period of time they have existed?All this, read on.
Primitive people - who are they?
most ancient people lived in Africa more than 2 million years ago.This is confirmed by numerous archaeological finds.However, it is known that the first humanlike creatures, moving confidently on hind limbs (namely, this feature is most important in determining the primitive man) appeared much earlier - 4 million years ago.This characteristic of ancient people, like bipedalism was first revealed in the creatures that scientists gave the name of "Australopithecus".
As a result of centuries of evolution they replaced the more advanced Homo habls, also known as the "handy man."He was replaced by humanoid creatures, whose representatives were called Homo erectus, which translated from Latin means "upright man".It was only after almost half a million years, a more advanced form of primitive man, which is more reminiscent of a modern intelligent population of the Earth - Homo sapiens or "reasonable man."As can be seen from the above, the primitive people slowly, but at the same time very effectively developed, opening up new opportunities.Let us consider in more detail what exactly is all of these human ancestors, what are their activities and what they looked like.
Australopithecus: external features and lifestyle
Historical anthropology relates to the very first australopithecine apes move around on their hind limbs.The origin of this kind of primitive people began in East Africa, more than 4 million years ago.For almost 2 million years, these creatures spread across the continent.Ancient people, whose growth has averaged 135 cm and weighed less than 55 kg.Unlike monkeys Australopithecus had a more pronounced sexual dimorphism, but the structure of the canines in males and females were similar.Skull of this species was relatively small and had a volume of not more than 600 cm3.The main activity of Australopithecus is virtually no different from that which a modern ape, and came down to the production of food and protection from natural enemies.
Homo habilis: anatomy and lifestyle
Homo habilis (Latin for "handy man") as a separate independent type humanoid appeared 2 million years ago in Africa.This ancient people, the growth of which often reaches 160 cm, have more developed than that of Australopithecus, the brain - about 700 cm3.The teeth and fingers of the upper extremities in Homo habilis had almost a complete similarity with the human, but the big eyebrows and jaw made him look like a monkey.In addition to gathering skilled people engaged in hunting with boulders, and for butchering animals could use treated tracing.This suggests that Homo habilis is the first humanoid creature with labor skills.
Homo erectus: appearance
anatomical characteristics of the ancient people known as Homo erectus, is a marked increase in the volume of the skull, allowing the scientists to argue that their brain is comparable in size with the brain of modern man.The eyebrow arches and jaw of Homo habilis were massive, but were not as pronounced as that of their predecessors.Build it was virtually the same as modern humans.According to archaeological finds, Homo erectus was leading a sedentary life, and knew how to make fire.It is home to this type sufficiently large groups in caves.The main occupation of Homo habilis was gathering (mainly women and children), hunting and fishing, manufacturing garments.Homo erectus among the first to realize the need for stockpiling food.
Neanderthal: a description of the appearance and lifestyle
Neanderthals appeared much later than their predecessors - about 250 thousand years ago.What is this ancient people?Its revenue growth of 170 cm, and the volume of the skull - 1200 cm3.Apart from Africa and Asia, these human ancestors settled on the territory of Europe.The maximum number of Neanderthals in one group reached 100 people.Unlike their predecessors, they had a rudimentary form of speech, allowing the tribesmen to share information and interact more harmoniously with each other.The main occupation of this ancestor of man was hunting.Success in getting food they provide a variety of weapons: spears, long pointed splinters of stones that were used like knives, traps, and dug in the ground with stakes.These materials (hides, leather) Neanderthals used to make clothing and shoes.
Cro-Magnons: the final stage of the evolution of primitive man
Cro-Magnons or Homo sapiens (Homo Sapiens) - this is the last known to science of ancient man, whose growth has reached 170-190 cm. The external similarity of this type of primitive people with monkeysIt was almost imperceptibly as decreased eyebrows, and the lower jaw has not to issue forward.Tools of the Cro-Magnons were made not only in stone, but also of wood and bone.In addition to hunting these human ancestors were engaged in agriculture and livestock initial forms (tamed wild beasts).
level thinking at the Cro-Magnon was significantly higher predecessors.This allowed them to create social groups rallied.In place of the principle of the existence of the herd came to the tribal system and the creation of the rudiments of social and economic laws.
