UCSP FOURTH QUARTER HANDOUTS….

2/5/2020

Biological Evolution of Man

HUMAN BIOCULTURAL AND SOCIAL EVOLUTION

Objectives
At the end of this lesson, you should be able to:
 trace the biological evolution of early to modern humans, and

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Biological Evolution of Man
The current biological makeup of humans has long and complex origins. The biological
evolution of man refers to the long evolutionary history of the human species from primates to
its current form, the Homo sapiens. Evolution is not an overnight phenomenon. It took millions
of years to end up with the specific set of biological traits that humanity presently has.

The Meaning and Significance of Human Evolution

Evolution is the process of developing physical and biological change in a species over a period
of time. Natural changes and events forced species to adapt to the environment while some faced
extinction for being unable to do so. In this case, modern humans, belonging to the genus Homo,
are seen as by-products of events and processes that occurred in the past.
Human evolution, however, must not be seen as a linear process. Scientists argued that human
evolution developed much like the branches of a tree wherein each branch extends into smaller,
more specific stems. It just so happened that among all stems, only one evolutionary profile—the
current human being—was able to adapt and further develop.

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The Transition from Early to Modern Humans
The biological transition of humans from its earliest state to its current physical and biological
makeup took millions of years to complete. Despite this, scientists, through the help of
archaeological pieces of evidence and modern technology, were able to identify and distinguish
distinct transitional stages of human evolution. These stages are described below.

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The Significance of Artifactual Evidences in Understanding Evolution
Artifactual evidences are the only source of knowledge in understanding the lifestyle and the
developments that occurred in each transitional stage of human evolution. Early human species
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were discovered through fossils which are remains preserved in rock. Scientists study the
structure, shape, and development of skeletal properties including head shape and teeth to
determine biological differences across early to modern species.
Artifactual evidences can also include tools that are used for hunting and gathering or symbolic
writing found in caves. As mentioned previously, these were used by the Homo erectus, though
scientists are still hoping to find further evolutionary data on other species. Below are some
authentic examples of artifactual evidences that greatly contributed in understanding human
evolution.
 An antelope leg bone with cut marks was recently discovered in Africa. This prehistoric
tool served as evidence for early hunting practices and carnivorous diet among early
stone-tool making humans, the Oldowan hominin.
 A cave discovered in South Africa filled with carbonized leaves and grasses made
archaeologists believe that cooking food was practiced among early humans.

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Appreciating the Past through the Present
It is important for modern humans to learn about their origins and developments. Nowadays,
technological advances has made delving into the past more accessible. Interactive and national
museums, for example, make great venues for learning more about the prehistoric past. The great
biological evolution that the human species has been through is complex and developmental. As
human beings, we are called to understand and appreciate these advances.

Explore!
The development of humans have persisted for millions of years. These evolutionary processes
have been greatly influenced by natural phenomenon such as climate change, natural disasters, or
the development of other species. Through research, explore how these natural phenomena might
have affected human evolutionary development.

Tips
 Human evolution always moves forward. It is unlikely that humans will regress in terms
of physical and biological makeup in the coming centuries.
 Note that before the existence of the genus Homo, the Australopithecines first emerged.
They are the earlier part of human evolutionary transition.

Keypoints
 Evolution is the process of developing physical and biological change in a species over a
period of time.
 Human evolution must not be seen as a linear process, but rather as branches wherein
each branch extends into smaller, more specific stems.
 The transition from early to modern humans included the Homo habilis, Homo erectus,
and Homo sapiens from the genus Homo.
 Fossils are artifactual remains that were preserved in rock.

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Cultural Evolution of Man

HUMAN BIOCULTURAL AND SOCIAL EVOLUTION