Question

Write notes on the origin and evolution of man.

Answer 1

• The origin of human beings is called human evolution.
  
• All human beings belong to same species i.e sapiens.
• The species originated in Africa and spread to different parts of the world (proved by fossils obtained in Africa).

1) Parapithecus :- is a Oligocene fossil from Fayum province in Egypt.

• The animal of the size of a squirrel.
• The animal was adapted to running and leaping.
• Ancestors of old world monkeys.

2) Aegyptopithecus :- It was of larger size, canopy dwellers and had tail.

• Fore- runners of Dryopithecus.

3) Dryopithecus :- It is a common ancestor of humans and apes.

• It had semi erect postures with same sized hind limbs and forelimbs.
• Hands and skull were monkey-flower like, fore- head like humans.

4) Ramapithecus :- It is the earliest man-made like primates.

• Walked on legs.
• Fossils reported from Africa, Hungary, Greece.

5) Australopithecus :- They were more human- like below the neck and ape- like above the neck.

• Cranial capacity 400-600 cubic cm.
• Brain was larger size compared to body sir.
• Incisors are vertical and canines spatulate.
• Ilium was broad and foot arched indicating bipedalism and running.

6) Homo habilus i This early true man had perfect bipedal locomotion, height - 150cm, weight 40- 50 kg.

• Cranial capacity 680 cubic cm.
• Used chipped stone tools.
• Carnivorous- omnivorus who hunted small animals.
• Male to female ratio 1:2.

7) Homo erectus :- It walked erect over long legs, height 150cm.

• Brain size is 775 to 1225 cubic cm.
• Prognathism face with prominent brow ridges.
• No chin, massive jaws and large teeth.
• First homonid to move out of Africa.

8) Homo sapiens :- It is parent species to which modern man belongs.

• It evolved from H. erectus in Africa.
• It developed 3 sub- species :-

a) Neanderthal Man

b) Cro- magnon Man

c) Modern Man.

• Modern man evolved 25000 years back.
• Moved to different parts of the world about 10000 to 11000 years ago.
• Man undergone culture evolution - palaeolithic age, mesolithic age, bronze age, iron age etc.