ANTH 101 Lecture Notes - Lecture 5: Foramen Magnum, Sahelanthropus, Australopithecus Garhi
Document Summary
Hominins- humans and other immediate bipedal ancestors. The first hominins appear in the miocene or early pliocene. Placed in genus australopithecus, known collectively australopiths . Changes in teeth, eg. development of large molars covered with thick enamel and smaller canines. Reliance on tools and language eg. culture. These developments did not occur all at once. Results of mosaic evolution or different traits evolve at different times. All hominins, living or extinct, are linked by habitual bipedalism. Expand their range and increase food options beyond shrinking miocene forest. Carry infants, food, and eventually tools in their hands. Reduce exposure of skin to the sun, which is more energy efficient and allowed for greater distances to be covered and animal foods. 1st hominins were likely omnivorous - a diet that included a wide range of plant. Bipedalism enabled hominins to range over widely scattered resources. Position of the foramen magnum centered beneath the skull. Big toe in line with other toes.
