Evolution theory explains the change in the human species’ characteristics over generations based on archeological evidence. The cultural behaviors of early hominids are altered with the changes in physical features. Ardipithecus ramidus, Australopithecines, Homo habilis, Homo erectus, and Homo Neanderthal are stages of human evolution with distinct physical appearances and behavior. Earlier, man’s biological and cultural characteristics evolved gradually in response to different environmental factors.
Ardipithecus ramidus is the initial genus of Hominidae that possesses ape-like biological and cultural features. Ardipithecus had rigid pelvis and hind and front limbs implying full bipedal characteristics (Bala, 2020). Ardipithecus displayed a small endocrinal brain capacity (300 to 350 cm3) relative to the body size. These primates were most likely omnivores, suggesting they were hunters and gatherers with a generalized diet of plants, fruits, and meat (Haviland et al., 2015). Similar to other early hominids, Ardipithecus lived in groups in the woods, signified by the tree-climbing skills displayed by their strong limbs.
Australopithecines or Australopithecus had close physical and cultural characteristics with Ardipithecus ramidus. Australopithecus had ape-like physical appearance but bipedal features and small cerebrums (Haviland et al., 2015). At the same time, Australopithecines had smaller canine teeth and massive check jaws, suggesting they were omnivores (Anderson & Tornberg, 2019). The pelvis, limbs, jaws, and teeth of Australopithecus closely resemble humans, but their brain capacity is relatively small (430 cubic centimeters). Australopithecus used tools similar to modern apes, such as sticks and twigs that could effortlessly be redesigned.
Homo habilis was a more advanced human genus than the primitive Australopithecus, exhibited by physical and cultural characteristics. According to Galway-Witham (2019), Homo habilis had a relatively high cranial capacity (500 to 800 cubic centimeters). The foot and hand bones were more human-like, with the ability to manipulate objects hence the name “handy man” (Bala, 2020). The molars and premolars of Homo habilis were comparatively smaller than Ardipithecus and Australopithecus. Homo habilis predominantly lived in grassland environments and could make stone tools such as choppers, scrapers, and flakes, often called Oldowan stone tools.
Homo erectus, identified as “upright man,” exhibited close biological and cultural characteristics to humans. Their body size and shape were identical to humans, although their hips were much broader and more muscular. They had shorter arms with longer legs and could stand upright (Anderson & Tornberg, 2019). Homo erectus skull and teeth were smaller than earlier hominids, although omnivores. The upright man mastered the use of fire and stone to make tools such as knives and scrappers (Galway-Witham, 2019). Homo erectus had a larger brain size than Homo habilis (about 950 cubic centimeters) and could use perishable wood materials and grass to make ropes and strings. Homo erectus were active hunters that did not grow crops but could feed on wild fruits.
Homo Neanderthal is the most recent species of evolution that had analogous features with humans. Neanderthals had an extended lower skull with an enormous nose and a protruded facial shape. With large bones, they were stronger and more muscular than modern humans (Galway-Witham, 2019). Neanderthals made complex tools from stones that they used in scavenging plantations and hunting. They had a significantly higher brain volume of 11,000 low temperatures by using fire to cook, warm their bodies, and protect themselves from wild animals. (Haviland et al., 2015). Culturally, Homo Neanderthals buried the dead and knew how to use fire to make advanced stone technology.
References
Andersson, C., & Törnberg, P. (2019). Toward a macroevolutionary theory of human evolution: The social protocell.Biological Theory, 14(2), 86-102.
Bala, S. (2020). Human evolution: insignificant ape to an intelligent designer. International Journal of Advanced Research in Biological Sciences, 7(12), 6-14. Web.
Galway‐Witham, J., Cole, J., & Stringer, C. (2019). Aspects of human physical and behavioral evolution during the last 1 million years. Journal of Quaternary Science, 34(6), 355-378.
Haviland, W. A., Prins, H. E., & McBride, B. (2015). The essence of anthropology. Cengage Learning.