From Fossils to Humans: Evolution & Human Variation

 

???? Central Question

How does human evolution help explain variation in modern humans?

???? Part 1: Hominin Evolution Timeline (Visual Component)

✏️ Instructions

Create an illustrated timeline showing major steps in human evolution.

✅ Include the following species:

1. Ardipithecus ramidus
2. Australopithecus afarensis
3. Australopithecus africanus
4. Homo erectus
5. Homo habilis
6. Homo heidelbergensis
7. Homo neanderthalensis
8. Homo sapiens
9. Paranthropus boisei
10. Sahelanthropus tchadensis

???? For EACH species, include:

• When they lived (time period)
• Where they lived (geographic region)
• 1–2 key physical traits (ex: brain size, bipedalism, body structure)
• 1 cultural/behavioral trait (tools, diet, social behavior)
• An image of the species (this can be a fossil or artist recreation, but it MUST be identifiable as the species it is meant to represent)

???? Timeline Requirements:

• Organized in correct chronological order
• Includes at least one visual per species (image, drawing, icon)
• Clear, neat, and easy to read

????️ Format Options:

• Hand-drawn
• Word, PowerPoint, or Google Slides
• Canva or timeline generator

???? Tip: Think of your timeline as telling the story of how humans changed over time.

While Assignment #2 is not due until Friday, July 31st, you should aim to have Part 1 completed by Friday, July 24th.

???? Part 2: Evolution & Human Variation Analysis (Written Component)

(400–600 words)

✏️ Instructions

Using your timeline as evidence, explain how human evolution helps us understand variation in modern humans.

✅ Your response should:

• Describe how hominins changed over time
  (use specific examples from your timeline)
• Explain how evolutionary forces (such as natural selection, environment, or adaptation) shaped these changes
• Connect these evolutionary changes to modern human variation, such as:
  
  • physical differences (ex: skin color, body proportions)
  • OR why humans are not divided into clear biological “races”

???? Tip: Your timeline shows WHAT happened. Your writing explains WHY it matters.

✅ Written Component Requirements

• Timeline (visual component)
• 400–600 word written response
• At least 2 sources (textbook + one outside source)
• In-text citations + Works Cited (APA or MLA)

✅ CHECKLIST 

✅ Part 1: Timeline

☐ Included all required species

☐ Each species has:

• time period
• location
• physical traits
• cultural/behavioral trait
• image

☐ Timeline is in chronological order
☐ Neat and easy to read

✅ Part 2: Written Analysis

☐ 400–600 words
☐ Explains how humans changed over time
☐ Uses examples from timeline
☐ Explains how evolution shaped those changes
☐ Connects to modern human variation (traits OR race concept)

✅ Sources & Formatting

☐ At least 2 sources (textbook + outside source)
☐ In-text citations included
☐ Works Cited/References page included