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Australopithecus Afarensis
Australopithecus Afarensis is the earliest species of early hominids know to man they lived 3 to 4 million years ago in Africa. Dr. Donald Johanson discovered the first of these people and named her “Lucy” for the Beatles song named “Lucy in the sky with diamonds.” Lucy had a protruding forehead and jaw. She was a little over three feet tall, and it is assumed that she did not communicate by speaking. The most exiting discovery made by scientists was that Lucy was a biped, this means she walked -
Homo Habilis
Homo Habilis otherwise known as “Handy Man” lived 1.5 to 2 million years ago in Africa. Homo Habilis is second on the timeline of ancient humans, they were similar to Lucy in some ways, but are very different in others. Handy Man was too a biped. They can grow to become 4 feet 4 ½ inches. Their brains were twice the size of Australopithecus Afarensis therefore Handy Man could build tools these included sharp rocks for chopping tools and animal bones for digging. Homo Habilis lived in groups this -
Homo Erectus
The third group of early Man is called Homo Erectus or “Upright man.” Dutch scientist, Eugene Dubois, found the first remains of this skeleton. Homo Erectus lived from 1.8 million to 200,000 B.C.E. This species lived first in Africa but soon migrated to Asia and Europe for an unknown reason. Upright man had strong bones and good abilities to walk and run therefore they were found in many places. Their tools were very complex and included fire. Homo Erectus was smart a built shelter and cooked t -
Homo Sapiens Neanderthals
One of the most intelligent groups of hominids was Homo Sapiens Neanderthalensis. Homo Sapiens means “Wise Man” this species had brains similar to modern humans. This group lived 230,000 to 30,000 years ago in Africa, Europe, Asia, and Near East. Neanderthals had thick bones and ridges over their eyes. Homo Sapiens made 60 types of tools including knives, scrapers, and spear points. They lived and traveled in groups, they had a sense of community and they cared for each other. One example of th -
Homo Sapiens Sapiens
The latest know group of hominids are called Homo Sapiens Sapiens, or “Doubly Wise Man” lived in Africa, Europe, Asia, and Australia. They had rounded skulls, large brains, small teeth, and slender bones. Doubly Wise Man had advanced tools for engraving, sculpting, needles, hooks and spears for fish, spear throwers, and bow and arrows. They made strong shelter and good clothing; they were also the first to begin cave painting and sculpting.
