Anthropology 1025F/G Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Sahelanthropus, Mammary Gland, Cerebral Cortex

• School: Western University
• Department: Anthropology
• Course: Anthropology 1025F/G
• Professor: Terry Webb

Document Summary

When and how did humans evolve? nonhuman primates are not miniature images of us comparative method: how are we the same/different. Sense organs- arboreal lifestyle encouraged emphasis on binocular vision. ~ how we got binocular vision i. e. eyes on front of face, flattened face. Brain- increase in cerebral hemispheres, the areas of cerebral cortex. 5 digits on hand and feet, opposable thumb, flat nails rotation in leg and shoulder. Prosimians-madagascar (bipedalism led to pain in childbirth, hips have not evolved) Nonhuman primates reconstruct the traits of our ancestors define what it means to be human provide analog. ~bipedal, omnivore, less male to male conflict because less canine, more chimp. Sahelanthropus tchadensis- nearly complete cranium like, more reliance on small, pair bonding. ~ derived traits- binocular vision, cranial size, generalized diet. ~ meat eaters, tool used for processing meat, start of rapid brain increase.