Who's who Among the Early Hominins

Susman, Randall.

"Who's who Among the Early Hominins?"

Obyssey Adventures in Science Oct. 2009:

22-25. Print.

The article explains the evolution of the many different type’s species that came before us,  modern day humans.  According to the article, “early hominians are often called “ape-men” because of the features they share with apes and with human.”  Hominin remains have been found in many different parts of Africa.  The oldest species date back to 7 million years ago.  Some have also been found in Asia and Europe.  We have developed so much in the past 3 million years up to now.  Scientists compare the brain size, jaw, teeth, nose socket, forehead shape, hands, feet, and bone structure. They also look at other things found with the remains such as tools, animal and plant remains, and evidence that they used fire.  The development of the different types of hominin species overlapped depending on where and when they lived but all died out except for humans.  For example we have developed in height.  A female homo floreslensis skeleton found in Indonesia was a very isolated type of species from 94,000 years ago.  It was only 3 feet 6 inches tall.  In Kenya the skeleton remains of a 6 foot tall boy homo erectus were found that are 1.6 million years old.  In the last 20 years, archeologists have found several bones that help us understand evolution better.  In conclusion, I think we have come a long way from African apes to humans in 7 million years.

Why We Study Human Origins

Why We Study Human Origins

By Randall Susman

Calliope: Exploring World History

In this article I learned  Evolution is the study of human origin.  It is the study of how we came to be. There are many theories of how we evolved and why.  The main theory of evolution today is that both plants and animals change over time to adapt to their changing environments.  This theory was discovered and introduced by Charles Darwin in the 1800’s.  At that time, there was no evidence to prove this theory true.  In the last 100 years we have found fossils and anatomical evidence that may prove that we could be decadents of apes.  Thomas Huxley believed “anatomically, African apes and humans where similar, more similar in fact then apes where to monkeys”.  Scientists have found several fossils from different periods of time.   These show that different types of ape species existed and changed for example knuckle walkers and bipeds.  This evolution of apes to hominids shows the lead up to who we are today humans.  In conclusion, as we learn more about our ancestors from the past we also can look into our future and predict what we might become as our environment continues to change.

Mystery in History Stonehenge

Stonehenge is one of the world’s mysteries.  For a very long time archaeologists have been trying to find out why was Stonehenge was built.  They want to know what Stonehenge used for and who used it.  These questions have yet to be answered.  T here are many theories on Stonehenge but none have been proven true. 

 One of the theories is that Stonehenge was used for telling what time of year.   For example, like a calendar the arrangement of the stones could predict the summer solstice and winter equinox as well as full moons and solar eclipse.  Another theory is that it could be a burial ground since lots of human remains have been found there from all over England.  Other theories could explains these remains such as Stonehenge could have been used for human sacrifice or it could have been a place the ill traveled to for its power to cure them.  Finally, some people believe that Stonehenge was built by aliens because it was built so long ago when they didn’t have the technology we do today to lift such heavy objects or move them such a far distance.  

 In conclusion, even though there are many theories about how and why Stonehenge was built archeologists continue to search for evidence to prove which theory is true.          

Human Ancestor May Put Twist in Origin Story, New Studies Say

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2011/09/110908-apes-humans-evolution-australopithecus-sediba-lee-berger-science/

Ker Than

for National Geographic News

Published September 8, 2011

In the last month archeologists have found two million year old fossils of bones. Archeologists do not know what animal the bones belong to but they do know that the unidentified thing has both characteristics of modern day humans and primates aka monkeys.  They think this unknown species could be in one of the stages through which modern day humans evolved.  There are some things they know for sure of the findings, they know that what the human ancestors were a boy about 15 years old and a 30 year old woman.  They also know that the unknown species died because they fell down a deep crevice which is basically a crack in the land.  They know the woman lived longer then the boy.  Archeologists found that the woman’s hands were similar to humans except that the thumb was longer.  Also, from the feet they could tell that could walk standing up but didn’t do it all the time. in conclusion I hope they found out more about this unknown specs and how they lived in the past.