Question 2 of 4intermediate🔍 AnalyzeLong Answer5 marks

Try to trace the various components of human evolution (hint: brain size and function, skeletal structure, dietary preference, etc.)

Correct Answer

The story of human evolution is fascinating and parallels the evolution of human brain and language. About 15 mya, primates called Dryopithecus (more ape-like) and Ramapithecus (more man-like) existed. They were hairy and walked like gorillas and chimpanzees.

About 3-4 mya, man-like primates walked in eastern Africa. They were not taller than 4 feet but walked upright. Around 2 mya, Australopithecines lived in East African grasslands, hunted with stone weapons but essentially ate fruit.

The first human-like being called Homo habilis had brain capacity between 650-800cc and probably did not eat meat. About 1.5 mya, Homo erectus had a large brain around 900cc and probably ate meat.

Neanderthal man with brain size of 1400cc lived between 1,00,000-40,000 years back. They used hides to protect their body and buried their dead. Homo sapiens arose in Africa, moved across continents and developed into distinct races. Modern Homo sapiens arose during the ice age between 75,000-10,000 years ago.

Pre-historic cave art developed about 18,000 years ago (seen at Bhimbetka rock shelter). Agriculture came around 10,000 years back and human settlements started.

Exercise: EXERCISES | Q: 4 | (Page 125)
For More Understanding

Explanation

This answer traces human evolution chronologically as presented in the NCERT textbook, covering all key components: brain size (from 650-800cc in Homo habilis to 1400cc in Neanderthals), skeletal structure (upright walking), dietary preferences (fruit to meat), and cultural developments (stone weapons, cave art, agriculture). The answer follows the textbook's evolutionary sequence from Dryopithecus/Ramapithecus through to modern Homo sapiens.

Solution Steps

  1. Step 1: Start with early primates (15 mya) - Dryopithecus and Ramapithecus with their characteristics

  2. Step 2: Describe early hominids (3-4 mya to 2 mya) - upright walking and Australopithecines

  3. Step 3: Detail Homo habilis and Homo erectus with brain sizes and diet

  4. Step 4: Cover Neanderthal man and Homo sapiens with brain size and cultural practices

  5. Step 5: Conclude with developments in art, agriculture and settlements

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