How do we know the rate at which Turkana Boy grew up? How does Turkana Boy’s growth rate compare to those of chimpanzees and modern humans? What might be the evolutionary point of a prolonged childhood?
Turkana Boy grew up at a rate that is more typical for the growth of chimpanzees rather than for humans because of the extreme speed. It is possible to conclude the age of Turkana Boy as well as the rate of growth referring to the skeleton’s dentine parts. Thus, the enamel is characterized by a regular growth pattern, and each day of life can be reflected on the enamel. That is why the age can be count appropriately according to the signs on enamel. Despite the large size of the body, Turkana Boy’s age is only eight years, and the evolutionary point of the prolonged childhood is based on the necessity for the human brain to develop completely after birth during the childhood period.
How and what can we learn about the cognitive abilities of Homo erectus by studying the endocasts of their brains? What can we add to this understanding by examining their stone tools?
Studying endocasts of the brains of Homo erectus, it is possible to conclude about the abilities of these humans to think and speak. Endocasts allow speaking about the shape of the brain and, as a result, about abilities to talk. Examining the endocasts of Turkana Boy, it is possible to assume that Turkana Boy could talk. The focus on stone tools and the particular features of their design and practicality help discuss the abilities of Homo erectus about the decision-making process and assessment of their activities. The usage of definite stone tools can support the opinion on Turkana Boy’s developing thinking processes such as decision making.
How are humans adapted for “persistence hunting,” and what evidence suggests that Homo erectus may have been capable of this technique?
Humans are adapted to ‘persistence hunting’ because of the ability to sweat. The air can circulate freely close to the human skin because the human body is rather hairless. From this perspective, the body can cool down with the help of sweat evaporation. Thus, Homo erectus could run for long distances and pursuit an animal till its exhaustion because of this characteristic feature. The ability of Homo erectus to find food supports the idea that humans have been capable of the technique.
What species is referred to as the “hobbit,” and when did it live? What reason is suggested for the small size of this hominin? Why do researchers think it is interesting that these hominins made and used stone tools?
Homo floresiensis is referred to as the ‘hobbit’ because of the small size of the body. Homo floresiensis is associated with 18,000-year-old fossils. The small size of the hominin (three feet) can be explained with references to the hypothesis that Homo floresiensis lived in isolation and had limited resources. Thus, it is possible to speak about the phenomenon of ‘island dwarfism’ to explain the tiny sizes of the bones found in 2003. The point of using stone tools by Homo floresiensis is rather controversial because researchers are inclined to state that to make stone tools, the size of the brain should be appropriate. From this point, there is a question about the size of this hominin’s brain.
What is the evidence that ailing Homo erectus individuals received assistance from other group members? Where was this evidence found, and what is the date of the site where these individuals were discovered?
The skull of an old man without teeth was found at Dmanisi. This discovery is related to the period which was 50,000 years ago. This human lost the teeth before death which is why he had to receive help from the other Homo erectus individuals for a long period. Thus, surviving two years without teeth, the old man was fed by the other individuals belonging to the group. It is possible to note that humans could chew the food for the old man to relieve their suffering. The researchers are inclined to conclude that there was emotional contact among the members of Homo erectus groups.