The Genus Homo

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The Genus Homo Homo ergaster appears in Africa
(1.8 mya) and Asia (1.7 mya). Primitive
features Derived features post-orbital
constriction less prognathism receding
forehead smaller jaws no chin smaller
teeth larger brain (800)
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Figure 13.01
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Figure 13.03
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H. ergaster is more modern in its postcranial
skeleton. Earlier hominids had relatively short
legs and long arms (about equal in length) H.
ergaster had longer legs and shorter arms.
Taller than earlier hominids (to 6 as opposed
to under 5). Birth canal/infant head as in
modern humans. Slow developmental patterns like
modern humans. Much less sexual dimorphism (10
vs. 50).
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Homo ergaster is associated with Oldowan tools
initially, transitions to Acheulean tradition
(mode 2) between 1.6 and 1.4 mya. Oldowan tools
(mode 1) do not disappear at that point but
continue to be mixed in.
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Figure 12.01
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Acheulean tradition (mode 2) involves bifacially
flaked tools that are quite uniform in their
manufacture and proportions. Cognitive
implications. The tradition lasts more than 1
million years! (until about 0.3 mya) H. ergaster
disappears long before the Acheulean tradition
does!!
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What were Acheulean tools used for? Many
possibilities and they arent mutually exclusive.
Very good evidence they were at least sometimes
used for butchering animals. 1. Cut marks on
bones associated with tools. 2. Hearth-burned
bones (control of fire) including bones of P.
robustus!
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Figure 13.14
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Homo ergaster and later members of the genus
Homo H. erectus and H. heidelbergensis H.
erectus was discovered in S.E Asia (Java) early
(1893). First assigned a rather late date but
more modern methods suggest a date between 1.8
and 1.6 mya. Nearly as old as H. ergaster! H.
erectus persists in China until about 0.03 mya,
(30,000), with very little change. (Many changes
in Homo populations elsewhere). Almost always
associated with (mode 1) Oldowan tools.
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H. erectus vs. H. ergaster H. erectus has 1.
thicker skull 2. heavier brow ridges 3. sloping
sides of skull 4. saggital keel 5. longer
skull 6. more pronounced occipital torus
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Figure 13.17
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Figure 14.18
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Figure 14.14a
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Figure 14.14b
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Figure 14.14c
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Figure 14.14d
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Figure 14.16