The Rise of Anatomically Modern Homo Sapiens Essay

Introduction

The evolution of humans dates back to an uncountable number of years. Mankind came into being primarily as a similar genre to what we physically are today. Those species were called the ‘homo Erectus, the modern form of which we have named the ‘homo sapiens, or “us”.

Homo Erectus and Homo Sapiens

Homo erectus refers to an ‘upright man’. The other homo species are now extinct in the world, which includes australopithecines and the hominid genre. They were found to initiate in Africa, from where their fossils are detected by anthropologists and archaeologists (“Human Evolution”).

When the homo Erectus was initially discovered by their fossils, they were found to be the smallest brained of the fossil hominins. But with time, it was researched and studied that the homo erectus fossils found in the 1930s were larger brained, and more similar to us humans (Anton, S., 2003). They were larger and this enlarged size probably called for an adequate diet for its growth and development too. The homo erectus seems to be the first hominids to have left Africa and move further out into the world.

The homo sapiens migrated to other parts of the world including the Middle East and parts of Asia, about 120,000 years ago (Miller, T., Hackman, D., Knight, T. & Boboc, D.). Some cold periods followed, halting the migration, but as far back as 50,000 years ago, the homo sapiens moved to the remaining portions of the world, like China and Europe.

Modern humans are called homo sapiens sapiens. They seem to have softer diets and more delicate physiques than the preceding species, like the homo erectus and the Neanderthals.

Similarities between the Homo Erectus and the Homo Sapiens Sapiens

These homo species both possess more or less the same features and traits, with just a modification of the form. The homo erectus had smaller brains than the modern man. The ridges of the eyes of homo sapiens are smaller in size compared to those of the homo erectus (“The Rise of Anatomically Modern Homo Sapiens”). The bones of the brains are thinner in the homo sapiens, and the forehead height is also smaller. The chin of the homo sapiens became more distinct than those of the former species. It can be seen that the present-day human form is a modification of the ape-like species, both of which possess free limbs and five grasping digits, i.e., the fingers.

The homo erectus had large builds, which demanded more intake of food. Their teeth were bigger and the jaw cavity was roomier than those of the homo sapiens, which so easily accommodate a fine set of teeth. Researchers have seen the fossils to be large, giving us the notion that they fed on tough food items, like raw meat, etc.; their teeth were strong enough to chew on hard eatables. The homo sapiens differ from them, they cook their food until extremely tender, and chewable. The digestive abilities of the homo erectus were stronger, being able to take in raw forms of food, which were mostly hunted animals. The modern man on the other hand has to think before eating and be very cautious of dietary intakes due to risks of indigestion.

The developmental rates of the homo erectus seem to be faster than the homo sapiens. The vaulted shape is greater in the latter case, appearing taller and more rounded. The lifestyles of the two species were different according to the available liabilities. The homo sapiens began to feed on fish meat, due to the emergence of new tools with time. These new tools included fishing hooks and nets, which distinguished the diet patterns of the homo sapiens. As time passed, the agricultural revolution took place, which enabled humans to feed on specific plant growths.

The historical finds of researchers suggest the adornment of the earlier species of mankind. Sets of bones and teeth have been found on human remains, which signify the orderly setting of things adapted by the early people. Bone needles have been seen, which show us that the homo erectus probably stitched animal skins to cover themselves from the weather’s harshness, and to create some form of clothing for protection.

Earlier, the tools used for hunting were of high speed, as the spearhead. These days such activities are not carried out on a need basis, but for enjoyment. Formerly, coordinated group hunting would take place to search and kill an animal for a meal. Later, the bow and arrow and harpoons were made for ease.

Conclusion

The homo erectus and homo sapiens were physically similar to one another. Their lifestyles and behaviors, with time and advancements, kept changing and are still being updated with the further evolution of humans. Time has changed the form of the ape-looking structure, to the modern good-looking man, which will further transform into some sort of an alienated species.

Works Cited

Anton, S. “Natural History of Homo Erectus” 2003. Web.

“Human Evolution”. 2008. Web.

Miller, T., Hackman, D., Knight, T. & Boboc, D. “Homo Sapiens Sapiens: The Beginning”. 2008. Web.

“The Evolution of Primates: Chapter 22”. 2008. Web.

“The Rise of Anatomically Modern Homo Sapiens” 2008. Web.