Anthropology Discussion 5

Sources: 

1. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/cooking-up-bigger-brains/

2. http://humanorigins.si.edu/evidence/human-family-tree

3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKNAA4wLpVY&feature=youtu.be

PROMPT 1

Homo erectus is generally considered the first truly human species. Why? What are the characteristics of H. erectus that define them as human?

PROMPT 2

Who was Homo hedelbergensis? 

PROMPT 3

Homo neanderthalensis was a highly sophisticated human species well adapted to life Ice Age Europe, both culturally and biologically. What are the biological adaptations to the cold that we see in H. neanderthalensis? What about their cultural adaptations

PROMPT 4

Using the information in the tutorials and at the Smithsonian site, discuss some of the most significant fossil finds for Homo heidelbergensis and Homo neanderthalensis? When and where were they found? What are their characteristics?

PROMPT 5

There are 3 models for the origin and dispersal of Homo sapiens. What do each of these models state? Which model is best supported by the evidence?

PROMPT 6

Who were the Denisovans? Feel free to do a web search to find additional information about them but include links to any sites you use.

PROMPT 7

Who was Homo floresiensis? What are the various hypotheses about them? Feel free to do a web search to find additional information about them but include links to any sites you use.