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Chapter 11: Modern human evolution
Trend across the hominins:
2 mya = multiple hominin genera
200 kya = multiple species of Genus Homo
40 kya = multiple subspecies
0 ya = just Homo sapiens
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Denisovans
Siberia (???-30 kya)-Genetic evidence of an extinct hominin
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Homo sapiensCranial-High vertical forehead -Protruding chinCC=1350 cm^3
Postcranial-Longer limbs-Gracile (slender)
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Homo sapiens
Anatomically modern Homo sapiens-By 100 kya have the same physical and cognitive abilities modern humans possess
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Competing models of AMH dispersalRegional Continuity Model-Multiregional evolution-AMH traits appear throughout the Old World-Gene flow stops speciation of local populations
Replacement Models-Emerged in Africa first (200 kya)-AMH migrants replaced premodern populations outside of Africa-Two versions: complete replacement and partial replacement
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Genetic evidence-Indigenous African populations have more genetic diversity
compared to populations outside of Africa
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Genetic evidence
Admixture between contemporary non-African populations
Populations outside Africa: share 1-4% genes with Neandertal
-Interbreeding between AMH and other premodern populations occurred 80-60 kya
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Fossil evidence
Africa = 200-160 kya
Omo Kibish, Ethiopia-Earliest fossils of Homo sapiens
Eurasia = 100 kya
-Oldest non-African sites
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Fossil evidence
Asia = 45 kya
Niah Cave, Indonesia
Europe = 35 kya
Cro-Magnon, France
Oceania = 30 kya
Lake Mungo, Australia
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Evidence summary
Genetic evidence: modest interbreeding only in non-African populations = occurred after AMH migrated out of Africa
Fossil evidence: AMH first emerged in Africa 200 kya and left Africa 100 kya
-Both types of evidence complement each other
Best model: Partial Replacement Model of modern human origins
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Upper Paleolithic culture and technologyUpper Paleolithic (75-17 kya) innovations-Big game hunting-Projectile weapons-Elaborate burials-Body ornamentation, clothing
The Pleistocene Epoch13
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Upper Paleolithic culture and technology
Magdalenian tool industry (17 kya)
Atlatl: (spear-thrower) and other projectiles
Burins: Chisel-tool used to modify wood, bone, softer material
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Upper Paleolithic symbolic behaviorPortable art engravings, beads, etc
Female figurines with realistic and/or exaggerated sexual traits
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Upper Paleolithic symbolic behavior sites
EuropeLascaux, France (35 kya)Cave art: new technology for aesthetic purposes
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Upper Paleolithic symbolic behavior sitesAfricaBlombos cave, South Africa (73 kya)-Beads, ocher, intentional burials
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Comparing Neandertal and H. sapiens
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Comparing Neandertal and H. sapiens
Neandertal-Fewer tools with fewer parts (no projectiles)-Small, personal art-Less complex, infrequent burials
AMH-Variety of tools (projectiles)-Art (representative cave paintings)-Frequent burials with artifacts
