Content 3 Human Biocultural and Social Evolution

Topic 1 Biological Evolution of Man

Topic 1: Biological Evolution of Man

Learning Outcomes:
At the end of this lesson, the learners should be able to:

 trace the biological evolution of early to modern humans, and

 recognize national, local, and specialized museums, and archaeological and historical sites as venues to
appreciate and reflect on the complexities of biocultural and social evolution as part of being and becoming
human.

Questions:

 What does the biological evolution of man refer to?

 How can we trace the biological evolution of early to modern humans?
 What physical and biological factors have greatly developed throughout the evolution of the human species?

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. In this lesson, the origin, factors, and developments involved in this evolutionary process will be discussed.

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.

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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Content 3 Human Biocultural and Social Evolution
Topic 1 Biological Evolution of Man

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 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.

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.

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Content 3 Human Biocultural and Social Evolution
Topic 1 Biological Evolution of Man

Key Points

 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.

Activities:
Go online:
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.

Points for Reflection:

Is there a possibility of finding evidence for a new human species that existed in the past? Why? Why not?

 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.

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