Home > Subjects > Biology > Level 3 > 3.6 Human Evolution > Subject content
- Subject: Biology
- AS: AS 91606
- Level: 3
- Credits: 4
- External
Biology 3.6 Demonstrate understanding of trends in human evolution
Subject content
Trends in human evolution refers to change over a period of time in relation to:
- human biological evolution
- human cultural evolution
- patterns of dispersal of hominins. Hominins refers to living and fossil species belonging to the human lineage. This is a subgroup of hominids, a group which includes both humans and the great apes.
Trends in human biological evolution begin with early bipedal hominins and may require comparison with living hominids. These trends involve:
- skeletal changes linked to bipedalism
- changes in skull and endocranial features
- changes in the manipulative ability of the hand.
Trends in human cultural evolution involve:
- use of tools –
- stone,
- wood,
- bone.
- use of fire
- clothing
- abstract thought -
- communication,
- language,
- art.
- food-gathering -
- hunter-gatherer,
- domestication of plants and animals.
- shelter -
- caves,
- temporary settlement,
- permanent settlement.
Interpretations on the origins and trends of human evolution may change as new information is uncovered. Interpretations of the trends in human evolution are based on current scientific evidence which is widely accepted and presented in peer-reviewed scientific publications. But be aware of current information, and recent developments and interpretations. (In other words, you must realise that the true picture is like an incomplete jigsaw, constantly under debate).
