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Austalopithecus Aferensis-Southern Ape
Austalopithecus Aferensis-Southern Ape, also known as Lucy, lived 3-4 million years ago near the Afar Triangle in Africa. The southern ape stood about three feet tall and had human and ape-like features. They had long arms, a large head, and a jaw and forehead that stuck out. No tools were found from Lucy's time. Lucy was capable of walking on two feet which left hands for carrying objects and defense against other animals. -
Period: to
Illustrated Timeline of Early Humans
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Homo Habilis-Handy Man
Homo Habilis lived about 1.5-2 million years ago in Africa. They had a mix of human and ape-like features and walked on two feet. They were taller (average four feet) and had a larger brain than Lucy's. They used rocks as chopping tools, sharp stones for knives, and bones for digging sticks. They additionally lived in groups which gave them a better chance for survival. -
Homo Erectus-Upright Man
The Upright Man lived from 1.8 million to 200,000 BCE on the island Java in Asia and Europe. These hominids were taller and thinner than earlier hominids and some Homo Erectus stood over 5 feet tall. They had strong bones and a round and smooth forehead. Homo Erectus used hand axes but their greatest advantage was the ability to use fire to keep warm and cook food. Also the Upright Man moved in groups whch gave them a better chance for survival. -
Homo Sapiens Neandrathalenis
Neandrathals lived 230,000-30,000 years ago in Africa, Europe, and parts of Asia. These hominids were about 5 and 1/2 feet tall, stalkier but stronger than modern humans. Their larger brain helped them create more advanced tools such as knives, scraper tools, spear points and thin blades. Homo Sapiens Neandrathalenis' important skills were creating better tools and hunting in large groups which gave them more food and a longer life. Neandrathalenis had a sense of community and buried their dead. -
Homo Sapiens Sapiens-Early Modern Human
Early Modern Humans lived from 35,000-12,000 years BCE and started living in Africa but then migrated across the globe on land bridges. These hominids had high rounded skulls, large brains, small teeeth, and slender bones. They stood nearly six feet tall. Some tools they ceated were engravers, sculptors for artwork, needles for sewing, hooks and spears for fishing, a spear thrower and a bow and arrow for safer hunting. They also had the advantage of building better homes out of earth and stone.
