The Emergence of Modern Humans (Homo sapiens)

The genus, Homo, originated in Africa. The species, Homo habilis and Homo erectus were characterized by a bipedal gait and an increased brain size. Eventually, members of the genus left Africa to colonize a widespread territory. During the Middle Pleistocene, a more advanced Homo species emerged to succeed H. erectus. Homo sapiens had an even larger brain. This enabled it to further expand the territories originally colonized by H. erectus. Over many thousands of years, different varieties of Homo sapiens evolved. One of the first was the Neanderthal. In addition, a form similar to modern humans, Homo sapiens sapiens also appeared. Approximately, 30,000 years ago, the Neanderthal disappeared. Furthermore, this period marked numerous H. sapiens sapiens cultural advances. The mechanism by which the Neanderthal became extinct has created controversy among anthropologists.

As Africa's savannas began expanding between 2 and 1 million years ago, the primitive hominid species, Homo habilis and Homo erectus emerged (Grant, 1985, p. 410). These organisms had a bipedal gait and an enlarged brain. With time, H. erectus succeeded H. habilis, and greatly expanded its territory. Homo erectus evidence has been found in East, South, and North Africa. The hominid also migrated to Asia, India, and parts of Europe. Then, late in the Middle Pleistocene, H. erectus populations began to disappear. Roughly 200,000 years ago

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7). The specific manner by which Homo sapiens sapiens achieved global dominance has been a source of controversy among anthropologists. Various cave deposits show that continuous habitation occurred between 35,000 and 25,000 years ago. However, skeletal remains that actually document this 10,000 year transition period are lacking (Birdsell, 1981, p. 298). One theory describing the Neanderthal's replacement is known as "Local Continuity Theory" (Birdsell, 1981, p. 318). Certain anthropologists believe that between 35,000 and 25,000 years ago, Neanderthal populations gradually evolved into modern Homo sapiens populations. This hypothesis is based predominantly on anatomic considerations. It is thought that perhaps a change in diet led to a gradual alteration of the muscles of mastication. Unfortunately though, the anatomical transformation from Neanderthal to modern H. sapiens is a complex one. The two species' brains, crania, teeth, and faces are very different. Such disparity cannot be entirely explained by a reduction in dental functioning. Furthermore, in recent times, changes in diet have not significantly altered modern humans' craniofacial proportions (Birdsell, 1981, p. 318). In addition to anatomic con
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Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page)

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