Home > Subjects > Biology > Level 3 > 3.7 Human evolution > Subject content
- Subject: Biology
- AS: AS90719
- Level: 3
- Credits: 3
- External
Biology 3.7 Describe trends in human evolution
Subject content
Make sure you have up-to-date course notes. Use them, and if you haven't got them, see your teacher.
Trends in human evolution refer to progressive change over a period of time. Topics will relate to:
- Human biological evolution.
The trends in human biological evolution begin with early bipedal hominins and may require you to compare them with living hominids (apes). You will only be tested on trends relating to:
- skeletal changes that are linked to bipedalism
- changes in the skull and endocranial features. Fossil remains of skulls of hominins often have the endocranial casts of the individual's brain.
- changes in the manipulative ability of the hand.
- Human cultural evolution.
The trends in human cultural evolution will include scientific evidence relating to:
- use of tools (stone, wood, bone)
- fire
- shelter
- clothing
- abstract thought (communication, language, art)
- food-gathering
- domestication of plants and animals.
- Patterns of dispersal of hominins.
Interpretations on the origins and trends of human evolution may change as new information is uncovered. Generally, you should base your interpretations on scientific evidence that is widely accepted and presented in peer-reviewed scientific journals. 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).
Your school textbook, if modern, will be a reliable source of information and current views. Also check out the following credible websites:
- Human Origins is the site to go to if you only have time to visit one website. It has coverage of the above topics and it is interactive and fun, and is guaranteed to keep you interested. Video clips are included (click on the little 'V' button). For those without fast Internet connection, you can read the text instead.
- Origins of humankind is an interactive website. It shows hominid fossils on an 8 million year timeline from when divergence from apes occurred until the present. Skeletal detail about each hominid can be accessed from this page. The timing of the emergence of tools is shown and you can view the hominids using them. Also check out the related web activities.
- Human Evolution has coverage of most of the topics examined in this achievement standard.
- Stone Age Reference Collection: The complex process involved in making stone tools illustrates how necessary speech would have been to ensure success and handing on of the skill to successive generations.
