Pre History Blog Assignment

Pre History Blog Assignment

Key differences between Humans and other Species

There are some key differences between humans and other species. For example, language and abstract thought. These two differences set the human species apart from other species. Not only do these things make us different but they also have helped in the process of advancing society to the way it is today. Language sets us apart by being able to speak to one another, such as helping people out, doing different things and such more.

Lucy

In 1974, an American anthropologist named Donald Johanson discovered a complete skeleton of an adult female hominid. They nicknamed her "Lucy," after the Beatles song "Lucy in the sky with diamonds." This skeleton lived around 3.5 million years ago and it was the oldest hominid found to date.

Homo Habilis

The homo habilis existed 2.5 million years ago. The homo habilis means "man of skill". Scientists jokingly called them "handy man". Researchers found tools made of lava rock which they believed homo habilis used these tools to cut meat and crack open bones.

Homo Erectus

About 1.6 million years ago, another species of Hominids appeared in East Africa known as Homo Erectus, or "Up Right Man." Some people believed Homo erectus was more intelligent then Homo habilis. They applied their knowledge to make tools and inventions to meet their needs. They became skillful hunters and were the first to migrate away from Africa. Some anthropologists believed they were the first to use fire and might have developed the beginnings of the spoken language. They may have even named objects, places, animals, and plants.

Homo Sapiens

Homo sapiens exsited over 300,000 years ago. Many scientist believed Homo sapiens were developed from Homo erectus, another name for modern humans. Homo sapiens means "wise men." Homo sapiens have larger brains then Homo erectus.

Neanderthals

Neanderthals existed 200,000 to 300,000 years ago. These people were very powerful. They had heavy slanted brows, well developed muscles and thick bones. Some might describe them as a club carrying cave man. They developed religious beliefs and performed rituals. They were very resourceful. They survived harsh winters by living in caves and made stone blades and tools to cut up their prey for food to survive on.

Cro-Magnons

Cro-magnons emerged about 40,000 years ago. Cro-magnons are identical to modern humans. They studied animals, habits , stalked their prey and planned their hunts. This helped them to survive more easily then Neanderthals.