ANT201H5 Lecture Notes - Lecture 9: Jebel Irhoud, Lewis H. Morgan, Ethnography
Document Summary
Oldest stone tool in kenya, dated to 3. 3 mya was not found with skeletal remains, and is before earliest fossil of homo, dated to 2. 8 mya. Homo erectus dates to as early as 1. 9 mya. Similar to modern humans in body shape and proportions, with a relatively large brain: 850-1250cc. Consistent symmetrical shape of acheulian handaxes suggests a cognitive leap between homo erectus and earlier hominin. Only species of genus homo dramatically expanded their geographic range and ecological niches they occupied and dispersed throughout africa, asia, australia and europe, and ultimately, the new world. Big brains, social cooperation, use of tools and fire may account for homo"s ability to thrive in different ecological niches, and disperse throughout such vast regions. Increasing evidence shows that neanderthals were capable of behaviours once only attributed to homo sapiens, such as making spears and decorations. Oldest stone tool in kenya, dated to 3. 3 mya was not found.
