Early Hominids

Australopithecus Afarensis

Sep 19, 1901

Australopithecus Afarensis, or “Lucy”, were the first of the Early Hominids to survive. They were told to live from about four million to three million B.C.E. Australopithecus Afarensis lived mostly in Africa. This group of hominids had very unique physical features. The bones that they found of “Lucy” had a large protruding jaw and forehead. Australopithecus Afarensis stood about three feet tall.

Australopithecus Afarensis (continued)

Dec 21, 1901

Since, Australopithecus Afarensis were the first known group of Early Hominids they didn’t figure out how to design and manufacture many tools yet, but they did figure out to use their hands as tools. One big, very important, discovery made about Australopithecus Afarensis was that they were bipeds. This meant that they were able to walk on two feet. This was an advantage to them because they had hands free to carry their young and food.

Homo Habilis

Sep 19, 1902

Homo Habilis were much more intelligent than “Lucy” and her people. These Early Hominids were nicknamed “Handy Man” after their ability to build tools. Homo Habilis lived from one and a half to two million B.C.E. Like Australopithecus Afarensis Homo Habilis were also located in Africa, except Homo Habilis decided to live in groups. “Handy Man” were more modern-day humanlike than Australopithecus Afarensis.

Homo Habilis (continued)

Dec 21, 1902

These hominids were four feet tall and were also bipeds, but Homo Habilis’ brain was nearly twice the size of Australopithecus Afarensis. There features were both human and ape-like. Unlike Australopithecus Aferensis “Handy Man” was able to design tools. Although “Handy Man’s” tools were simple they were still very useful. They used rocks to chop and sharp stones to cut. Homo Habilis had many capabilities to their advantage. Since they had tools they were able to survive much longer.

Homo Erectus

Sep 19, 1903

Homo Erectus lived from approximately 1.8 million to 200,000 B.C.E. This group of Early hominids were given the nickname of “Upright Man” because they were the first group of hominids to appear to stand upright. Homo Erectus were located in Africa, Europe, and Asia. “Upright Man” were even more human-like than Homo Habilis. They stood about five feet tall, were able to both walk and run, were much taller and thinner than Homo Habilis, and had a much rounder head.

Homo Erectus (continued)

Dec 21, 1903

Homo Erectus had much more complex tools than Homo Habilis. One of their most important and useful tools was the hand axe. “Upright Man” had large brains, were able to stand upright, they used fire, and lived in oval huts.

Homo Sapien (Neanderthalenis)

Sep 19, 1904

Homo Sapiens were named “Wise Man” after how wise they were. They lived from about 230,000 to 30,000 B.C.E. Homo Sapiens lived in Africa, Eastern Europe, and some parts of Asia. “Wise Man” had different features than Homo Erectus. They were short and stocky, had larger brains, were more modern day human-like, and were about five and a half feet tall. Homo Sapiens were even more talented toolmakers than Homo Erectus.

Homo Sapien Neanderthalenis (continued)

Dec 21, 1904

Some of their main and most useful tools included: knives, scrapers, and spear points. One very interesting ritual Homo Sapiens did is that they buried their dead. Some think they had a sense of community and others think they did it to get rid of the horrid smell.

Homo Sapien Sapien

Sep 19, 1905

Homo Sapien Sapiens were alive from approximately 35,000 to 12,000 B.C.E. These Early Hominids were nicknamed “Doubly Wise Man” since they were twice as wise as Homo Sapiens. They were located in Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia, North America, and South America. These Early hominids had almost the same features as modern day humans. “Doubly Wise Man” were about six feet tall, had rounded skulls, and slender bones much like humans of today.

Homo Sapien Sapiens (continued)

Dec 21, 1905

. Homo Sapien Sapiens were the mos talented toolmakers of all Early Hominids. They were capable of making over 65 different tool designs. They made hooks, spears, knives, bow and arrows, and much more. Homo Sapien Sapiens were also the first Early Hominids to create cave paintings. Homo Sapien Sapiens were very talented Hominids.