Midterm Essay #2

Paleoanthropology aims to build a scientific basis to understand hominin evolution.

Due to the broad scope of scientific understanding needed, many different disciplines of science

are needed in order to piece together the story of history from the clues left behind. The major

subdisciplines of paleoanthropology are geology, physical anthropology, and archaeology,

amongst many other subdisciplines.

Jurmain presents that the earliest geological time period for hominin origins is the

Miocene period; specifically near the end of that time period. Anthropologists usually use the

following characteristics to define hominins: bipedal locomotion, brain size, and tool making

behavior. One particular trait of human evolution is mosaic evolution. Mosaic evolution in a

species refers to the different rates of development at which behavioral or physiological systems

evolve. In hominin evolution, bipedal locomotion evolved and became a trait early, while brain

development and behavioral development came a few million years later. The recent revised

classifications in which more taxonomic levels and evolutionary relationships are introduced

have brought about many effects on paleoanthropology. Jumain cites two important ones as an

increased emphasis on the relationship between humans and African apes, and a reconsideration

of the definition of hominid. Chimpanzees and bonobos (and the Great Apes in general) are

more closely related to humans. This is due to evidence from molecular data.

Culture is defined by physical anthropologists as the behavioral aspects of human

adaptation. It is learned behaviors transmitted by non-genetic means. (Jurmain) Biocultural

evolution is the intertwined development of culture and biological features of a species. One

example of biocultural evolution studied by paleoanthropologists is exhibited in the record of

stone tools. With more learning and cultural development, members of the population were able

to perform and create more complicated tools. This in turn further enabled prosperity in the

population and encouraged biological development.

In paleoanthropology, the four essential data sources are dating, paleoecology,

archaeological traces of behavior, and anatomical evidence from hominin remains. These are

used to understand cultural and behavioral traits of hominins along with their interaction and

adaptations with response to the environment. Two chronometric dating methods are the

potassium argon (K/Ar) method and thermoluminescence. One would use the K/Ar method if the

nearby rock matrix can be used. Data is collected by finding rocks in the same or nearby layer

and measuring the decay of the potassium-40 molecules. Thermoluminescence is a method in

which one takes an artifact or rock, heat the sample, and measure its thermoluminescence from

the radioactive decay of. It is often used on ceramic pots and flint tools.

Human bipedalism is a significant adaptation and change from our ancestors. There are

many possible factors that have influenced the evolution of bipedal locomotion. The first is the

need to carry objects, where arms can provide a significant benefit. Hunting is also another

possible factor, as bipedalism allowed humans to grab and throw certain weapons, increasing

human diet range. Long-distance walking enabled humans to conserve energy while traveling

farther, hence being a strong candidate factor for encouraging bipedalism. Finally, feeding from

bushes is also a possible factor. Bipedalism allows humans to access a larger range of food,

specifically in fruit on lower branches of bushes. (Jurmain)

 Works Cited

Jurmain, Robert, Lynn Kilgore, Wenda Trevathan, and Russell L. Ciochon. Introduction to

Physical Anthropology. Boston: Cengage Learning, 2014. Print.