GRADE 8
Scientific theory about human origin.
Evolution.
The evolution hypothesis is another name for the scientific theory explaining the origin of humans. The inventor of it was Charles Darwin.
According to the hypothesis, all living things have changed over millions of years, going from simple to sophisticated forms through processes of evolution.
This resulted from the following processes:
Mutation: The genetic makeup and physical characteristics of human creatures have undergone modifications.
Natural selection ensures that only the strongest or most suited species survive mutations.
Adaptation: The organisms adapted to their new habitat after surviving mutation and natural selection.
Phases of human evolution.
The phases of human evolution are listed below.
The oldest known progenitor of both humans and apes was Aegyptopithecus which was found in Egypt. He walked with four limbs. He possessed a tail.
Dryopithecus.
It had bigger canines and a flat head and was found on the island of Rusinga.
He walked with four limbs and also possessed a sharp countenance.
Ramapithecus or Kenyapithecus.
She had a bigger jawbone and teeth. Fossils found in Fort Tenan proved his existence.
He walked with two legs and possessed a bigger brain.
Australopithecus.
Had large eyebrows, a projecting face, and a loping forehead.
Fossils have been found in Kenya and Ethiopia.
He possessed a bigger brain than Kenyapithecus and walked erect.
Homo habilis.
He resembled a human but had longer arms. They were organized into families.
He possessed a brain bigger than Australopithecus’.
Fossils found in Tanzania’s Olduvai Gorge proved his existence.
Homo erectus.
He was an honest man.
He possessed a brain capacity of 850 cm^3, bigger than that of Homo habilis, making it intelligent. Developed sophisticated tools and discovered fire.
Homo Sapiens.
They possessed a higher level of intelligence than Homo erectus. Moreover, he possessed a brain volume of around 1800 cm^3.
Their legs were straight.
The eye sockets were square and rounded at the back of the head.
Homo sapiens sapiens
This was the final stage of human evolution, Homo sapiens sapiens.
He is the most evolved being to appear on Earth.
Pictorial and video summary of evolution
Pictorial summary of evolution.
