B I O L O G I C A L A N D C U L T U R A L E V O L U T I O N:
FROM AUSTRALOPITHECUS TO HOMO SAPIENS
BIOLOGICAL EVOLUTION
 It refers to the changes, modifications,
and variations in the genetics and
inherited traits of biological populations
from one generation to another.
 Scientists study the changes in the
physical body of humans, the changes in
the shape and size of their bones.
CULTURAL EVOLUTION
 It refers to the changes or development
in cultures from a simple form to a more
complex form of human culture.
 Scientist study the cultural evolution of
humans by analyzing the changes in the
latter’s way of life.
CHARLES DARWIN
Biological Evolution is based on the
theory of evolution that was introduced by the
famous English naturalist and geologist
CHARLES DARWIN.
He introduced the concept of evolution
to explain the origins of modern humans. In his
published work entitled On the Origins of
Species by Means of Natural Selection (1859)
The evolution of species happens
through the process of NATURAL SELECTION.
 The reason for occurrence of evolution.
 The outcome processes that affect the
frequencies of traits in a particular
environment. Traits that enhance survival
and reproductive success increase in
frequency over time.
NATURAL SELECTION:
THREE PRINCIPLES
Variations
 Every species is made up of a variety of
individuals wherein some are adopted to
their environments compared to others
Heritability
 Organisms produce progeny with
different sets of traits that can inherited
Differential reproductive success
 Organisms that have traits most suitable
to their environment will survive and
transfer these variations to their offspring
in subsequent generations
 Archaeologists or social scientists - study
ancient and recent past of humans
conduct excavations to search for fossils
and artifacts that can provide
information about the origins of humans.
 Fossils- refer to the human, plant, and
animal remains that have been
preserved through time like human or
animal teeth, skull and bone fragments.
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FROM AUSTRALOPITHECUS TO HOMO SAPIENS

 Artifacts- refers to objects that were

made and used by humans. Ex. Stone
tools, metal tools, ceramics, burial jars,
earthenware and ornaments.

HOMONIDS

The general term used to categorize the

group of early humans and other humanlike
creatures that can walk erect during the
prehistoric period

 The Australopithecus together with

Sahelanthropus and Ardipithecus are  height about 4 feet
both apelike and humanlike  weight about 120 pounds
characteristics they are considered as
prehuman stage, while Homo had  skull size similar to an ape
biological and cultural characteristics
 Small brain
and a part of human stage of evolution.
 Biped
SAHELANTHROPUS TCHADENSIS
6-7 million years ago  lived in jungles and forests like
chimpanzees
• It had both apelike and humanlike
characteristics: AUSTRALOPITHECUS

 A skull similar to Australopithecus and “The Southern Ape”

modern human.
5 million – 1 million years ago
 Height almost similar with the
Characteristics
chimpanzee
 Brain size: 500 cc or almost 1/3 size of the
 Brain size: 320-380 cc
modern human brain
 Small teeth
 Upright
 Had the ability to walk upright
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FROM AUSTRALOPITHECUS TO HOMO SAPIENS

 Biped

 Tool users not tool maker

 Food scavengers

GRACILE AUSTRALOPHITECUS

 Considered as one of modern human’s

earliest ancestors and remains as the
most famous hominid fossil discovered
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FROM AUSTRALOPITHECUS TO HOMO SAPIENS

ROBUST AUSTRALOPHITECUS HOMO

 They are classified as humans and not

humanlike creatures because they had
bigger brains and were bipedal

Also called handy man. Direct ancestor of

modern human because of its ability to
produce tools.

In terms of cultural development, the

Homo Erectus is believed to be mre intelligent
and more adaptable compared to the Homo
Habilis.

They are known for making complex

tools used for digging, cutting, and scraping.
Because of their ability to make complicated
tools, homo erectus are considered skillful
hunters.
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FROM AUSTRALOPITHECUS TO HOMO SAPIENS

They are the one who first use fire and to

live in caves and small houses made of tree
branches. They are the first homo to use spoken
language.

Homo Ergaster

Also called as thinking man.

The homo sapiens are considered as

modern humans. Their physical anatomy is very
similar to the modern human beings that is why
it is considered as the species where all modern
humans belong to.

Some Anthropologist believed that it was

Homo sapiens were the first to develop and use
oral languange beacause they have more
developed brains and speech organs.