Question

Discuss and provide details of the major evolutionary changes associated with the ergaster/erectus group. Be sure to include all details that allow you to place them in the evolutionary and fossil record.

Answer 1

the human evolution originatesd as hominid evolution from asia and africa. the early human ancestors were the fossils of prehistoric man i.e Ramapithecus and Sivapithecus from late miocene which after 5million years lead to evolution of australopithecus fricanus in pliocene period which further evolved to homohabilis. The homo-habilis were the tool maker who led to evolution of the Homo-erectus. the Homo-erectus were the erect man evolved in pleistocene era . they were 1.5-1.8 m tall and had an erect posture.

The major changes associated with the Erectus were the

1. thick , low forehead
2. brow ridges
3. used stone and bones as tools
4. hunted big games.
5. these developed fire and some primitive type of speeches.

the homo erectus can be further categorised as:

1. homo erectus -erectus:

• cranial capacity 950cc.
• jaws were massive with huge teeth
• chin absent
• eye brow ridges present
• 160cm height
• walked upright

2. homo erectus- pekinensis :

• cranial capacity 1075cc, omnivorous
• cannibals
• heavy bony eye ridges
• chinless slanting faces
• bones as tools

3. homoerectus mauritanicus:

• cranial capacity lesser than erectus erectus and erectus pekinensis
• migrated from africa to asia and europe
• teeth man like and jaws apes like

the homo erectus finally led to evolution of homo sapeins in africa during late pleistocene .