Question

Describe the evolution of modern man with reference to five characteristics.

Answer 1

Evolution of Modern man:

1. Modern man has evolved from a series of ancestors.
2. Australopithecus: Evolution started with Australopithecus. They were human-like below the neck and ape-like above the neck. They exhibited bipedalism but with bent knees.
3. Homo habilis: Their cranial capacity significantly increased and they exhibited perfect bipedal locomotion.
4. Homo erectus: They walked erect over their legs. They had learned the use of fire, stone tools, bone tools, etc.
5. Neanderthal Man (Homo neanderthalensis): They lived in caves as well as hut-like dwellings and used animal hides.
6. CroMagnon Man (Homo sapiens fossilis): They are the nearest relative of Modern Man. They were cave-dwellers and made cave paintings.
7. Modern man (Homo sapiens sapiens): The modern man evolved during the ice age between 75,000 and 10,000 years ago.

Characteristics of Modern Man:

1. The modern man had a perfectly erect posture.
2. They had four flexors in the vertebral column.
3. Their cranial capacity was about 1450 cm³.
4. They had straight limbs.
5. Prominent chin was present in modern man which was absent in their ancestors.