The author of the paper seeks to examine an alternative scenario in order to explain the appearance, spread and persistence of Homo erectus. Set against a backdrop of environmental, fossil, archaeological data with critical evaluations of the pre-existing theories; the hypothesis presented and argued in this paper is defined as the “grandmother” hypothesis. According to this hypothesis, the evolution of extended lifespan is typical of all human life-widely held perceptions concerning the catalytic role of hunting for food sources. The factors for the above evolution are defined as climate driven alterations causing females to search for food sources and sharing the food produce, with the involvement of tuber as a food supplement, resulted in the evolution of the Homo erectus the way this race developed. (Abbott)
This hypothesis challenges the traditional approach according to which the pattern of the homo erects was explained by the hunting methods, and a system of a nuclear family. The hypothesis through a series of examples including that from foragers of great apes and modern humans presents the opinion that it was the climate that resulted in the development of the Homo erectus food patterns. The theory presents a new dimension to the existing theory about the way Homo erectus developed and the way communal life developed as we know of it today. Archeological evidence has also been highlighted to prove the fact that the bones show no evidence of hominid involvement-eliminating in a way the pre-existing theories about nuclear families and a modern set-up.
If one was to critically evaluate the paper; one would be able to establish via examples of the Hadza population, the theory about females as the main food foragers who created communal links by sharing the food output is shown. An example of woody rootstock, Vigna frutescens, exemplifies the ability of women to forage for food. Thus, the author tries to reiterate the importance of the inhabitants operating in habitats where there otherwise could not exist. And the importance is proved.
To test the validity of the above, a model designed by Chanov is used to prove how development takes place later. An evolutionary concept is introduced by the author who tries to explain the way the Homo erectus developed through climate change that created such a setting that made it imperative for the human race to develop later as a result of the delayed maturity. The appropriate detailing proves to the reader why this change came about and how it came about.
To carry this critical analysis further, an argument about the estimation of the correlation between brain size and longevity in modern primates, citing examples of Austad and Fisher, etc is presented The author tries to prove that due to available dental, brain data the longevity was increased of the Homo erectus with substantial examples ranging from Australopithecines M1-an important maker having close connections to life history. Though, a questionable argument, the reader is still left in a state of uncertainty about the existing theory due to the hardcore facts mentioned in the article.
As a result, the model assumes that the climate change in terms of cooler weather, alternative resources were sought and in this case, the alternative was “Tuber”, examples of studies including that of the Native Americans are used to show why this alternative came about. Archeological and fossil evidence is cemented by examples of the tropical areas of Africa. The argument that is highlighted is that due to climate change, tubers had to be introduced to provide food nourishment and with an extensive explanation; the author does manage to convince the reader of how this change played a critical role in the evolutionary success of Homo erectus.
Hence, after a careful examination and critical evaluation, the results of this hypothesis are held to be consistent after the reader makes use of the extensive examples provided and it is effectively shown to the reader how grandmothering played a central role in the spread and evolution of this taxon.
Works Cited
- Abbott, S., Trinkaus, E. & Been, D. B. “Dynamic bone remodeling in later Pleistocene fossil hominids. “Am. J. Phys. Anthrop. 99, 585–601. (1996).
- Aiello, L. C. & Dean, C. An Introduction to Human Evolutionary Anatomy” London: Academic Press. (1990).
- Aiello, L. C. & Molleson, T.” Are microscopic aging techniques more accurate than macroscopic aging techniques? “J. Archaeol. Sci. 20, 689–704. (1992)
- Aiello, L. C. & Wheeler, P. “The expensive tissue hypothesis: The brain and the digestive system in human and primate evolution”. Curr. Anthrop. 36,199–221. (1995).
- Anderson, D. C.” Below-ground herbivory in natural communities: a review emphasizing fossorial animals.” Q. Rev. Biol. 62, 261–286. (1987)