ANT203Y1 Lecture : Jan 24 2012 notes.pdf
Document Summary
Two models for this evolution: arboreal to terrestrial bipedalism encephalization culture/civilization. 2. upright locomotion led to large brain (intelligence) and humanity large brain (intelligence) led to bipedalism, which led to humanity evidence suggests that the first model is more likely. Mioecene: very different environment in most of africa than 2-3 million years ago onwards dating paleoecology archaeological traces of behavior (esp. when toolmaking begins) anatomical evidence of hominin remains. Required steps for interpreting the data - see textbook/slide. Looking to reconstruct lifeways - in terms of diet, environment, technology, and social systems. Experimental archeology used to understand how artifacts were made and used by reconstructing prehistoric techniques e. g. stone tool (lithic) technology, direct percussion, pressure flaking; analysis of microwear, analysis of phytoliths, analysis of bone (see: taphonomy) Environmentally-based hypotheses evolutionary pulse theory suggests arid climate during the pliocene and early. Pleistocene africa stimulated hominin evolutionary development (example of environmental determinism)
