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What are the main stages of human evolution |
| Answer» The following are the stages of human evolution:1.DryopithecusThese are considered to be the ancestors of both men and apes. They lived in Africa, China, Europe, and India. The genus Dryopithecus means oak wood apes. When Dryopithecus was alive, the tropical lowlands which it inhabited were densely forested, so the members might have been predominantly herbivores.2.RamapithecusTheir first remains were discovered from the Shivalik range in Punjab and later in Africa and Saudi Arabia. They lived in open grasslands. Two pieces of evidence confirm their Hominid status:\tRobust jaws, thickened tooth enamel, and shorter canines.\tUse of hands for food and defence, and extrapolations of upright posture.3.AustralopithecusThe fossil of this genus was first discovered in 1924 in South Africa. They lived on the ground, used stones as weapons, and walked erect. They were 4 feet tall and weighed 60-80 pounds.4.Homo ErectusThe first fossil of Homo Erectus was found in Java in 1891. These were named as Pithecanthropus Erectus. These were considered as the missing link between the man and apes. Another discovery made in China was the Peking man. This specimen had large cranial capacities and are believed to have lived in communities. Homo erectus used tools made of quartz. Tools made of bones and wood are also discovered. There is evidence of collective huntings. There is also evidence of the use of fire. The Homo Erectus is believed to dwell in caves.5.Homo Sapiens NeanderthalensisThe Homo Erectus evolved into Homo Sapiens. During evolution, two sub-species of Homo Sapiens were identified- Homo sapien Neanderthal and Homo sapiens sapiens. The cranial capacity of Neanderthal grew from 1200 to 1600 cc. Few small hand axes had also been discovered. This species of hominids were capable of hunting big games such as mammoths.6.Homo Sapiens SapiensThe remains of Homo Sapiens were first discovered in Europe and were named Cro-Magnon. In these, the jaws are quite reduced, the modern man’s chin appeared, and the skull was rounded. Their cranial capacity was about 1350 cc. They gathered food through hunting. Art first appeared during this time. | |