Hominids Essay Example

Homo erectus or the 'upright man' is an extinct species that existed during the late stage s of the Pliocene epoch to the later Pleistocene epochs. Its earliest fossil dated nearly 1.8 million years ago and the latest one were dated nearly 0.2 million years ago. It is however unclear where Homo erectus first appeared and both Africa West Asia have been considered. The changes in climate meant that the hominid had to adapt and thus developed features that aided its survival, the open and drier nature of Africa suited the hominid best ("Homo Erectus | Becoming Human"). They lived in groups and were hunters and gatherers. This species is known to have outlived most of the other hominids spanning nearly 2 million years of existence.

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The species possessed lesser derived morphological features and bigger cranial capacity than other hominids. They had a lesser sloping forehead (frontal bone) and smaller teeth with regards to other early hominids. Homo erectus also had an increased brain size of 800 cm3; which is nearly 60% of the current humans' brain, and also a larger body size. Over its existence, encephalization is noted. They stood at 1.8 meters tall, with the males taking up a much larger body than the females. Walked with a nearly upright posture and had lesser body hair. This meant that they had to work during the day due to the changing temperatures. They had developed an external nose, jaw bones decreased in size, and there was the development of a more barrel-shaped chest. They developed limbs that were near similar to the current humans ("Homo Erectus - A Bigger, Smarter, Faster Hominin Lineage | Learn Science At Scitable").

The species was also well equipped in tool making skills and using of these tools. Pebble tools were common for hunting and cutting. The species could control fire and make it; they used the fire to warm themselves, cook and to protect themselves.

Taxonomy

Classification of this hominid has eluded a lot of controversies among the scientists and evolution experts. The question of whether the species is a geographically widespread species found in Africa, Asia, and Europe or if the species came from a classic Asian descent that was a much more evolved version of the African species, 'Homo Ergaster.' Further classification notes that the early African species are known as 'Homo Ergaster,' the Asian and later African species is 'Homo Erectus and the European species known as the 'Homo Heidelbergensis.' However, according to other scholars, these species all share many traits, suggesting that the entire sample may constitute to a single species, Homo erectus ("Homo Erectus | Becoming Human").

Controversies surrounding the species

The discovery has elicited with it many questions and also theories which attempt to answer these questions. Aside from the widely known controversy of naming the species, many questions remain unanswered regarding the species. One major one is the case of language and the ability to navigate across the globe. To travel across such hard tides, they first had to link up in groups and make teams. Teamwork could not have been achieved without any form of communication. Navigating also requires understanding and leadership, how could these hominids be able to arrive at their destinations without any communication. Although, this has never been proven it seems that they were already using a certain form of communication to traverse the earth.

Sexual dimorphism, physical appearances are important in distinguishing the males and females. In the case of Homo erectus however, the male has shown that they had a larger body than the females. There is no conclusive evidence though with regards to the case. Whether it was a sexual dominance factor or just normal is unanswerable.

Works cited

"Homo Erectus - A Bigger, Smarter, Faster Hominin Lineage | Learn Science At Scitable." Nature.com. N.p., 2018. Web. 25 Nov. 2018.

"Homo Erectus | Becoming Human." Becominghuman.org. N.p., 2018. Web. 25 Nov. 2018.

Jelinek, Jan. "European Homo erectus and the origin of Homo sapiens." Current Argument on Early Man: Report from a Nobel Symposium. Elsevier, 2016.

Social Media Profile

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Homo Erectus Senior Manager

Tools Hunting and gathering company, Turkana, Kenya.

Summary

A highly skilled, hardworking and dedicated professional with more than 20 years' experience. My dedication to the company has seen me rise in rank and become a senior manager. Equipped with the skills to hunt various animals and capture them and slaughter them. A proficient gatherer who is also able to guide the team to acquire its targets and how to evade the dangers of the wild. Seeking for a company in need of a Chief Executive Officer.

Experience

Senior Management

I have served in Tools Hunting and gathering company for more than nine years arriving here as a hunter. Over the years I have risen in rank to the position I am today. I previously worked in Denizli, Turkey as a hunter and tool cleaner.

Education background

Having descended from a family of hunters and gatherer, I learned a lot under my grandfather, Homo erectus the first. Through him, I gained immense knowledge and skills required for hunting and gathering. Presented the 'tooth of a lion' for coming best in the hunting games.

Skills

• Hunting and Gathering
• Tracking and guiding
• Tool making and sharpening
• Skinning prey and setting traps