Overview
In this module you learned that the period from about ~1.8 Ma to 780 ka (the Early Pleistocene) was characterized by multiple anatomical and behavioral shifts in the hominin lineage, seen most clearly in the evolution of Homo erectus. Here is a summarized list of the features of H. erectus:
- Extended mobility via bipedal locomotion (walking on two legs)
- Extended life history with increased juvenile period, more like humans
- Reliance on bifacial stone tool technology (aka handaxes)
- The controlled use of fire (possibly in earlier populations, likely in latter ones)
Questions:
- Choose one aspect of environmental interaction that characterizes your daily life today (e.g., drinking water, accessing food, cooking, sheltering from storms, responding to extreme temperatures, etc.).
- Think about the list of features of Homo erectus, summarized above. How is your answer to #1 reflected in the features of Homo erectus listed above if at all? Example: walking increased distances to access resources; using sharp tools for building shelter.
- Describe one way that you might adapt to environmental change as Homo erectus.
- Would future archaeologists find evidence of this? Explain why or why not?
- Assignment 2 - A day in the life of Homo erectus
Assignment 2 - A day in the life of Homo erectus Criteria Ratings Pts This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeReflection on environment interaction today 8 ptsFull MarksAnswer includes an aspect of the student's interaction with the environment in daily life.4 ptsHalf MarksAnswer is provided but does not describe an aspect of human-environment interaction in daily life.0 ptsNo AttemptNo answer provided. 8 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeConnection to Homo erectus environment interaction 8 ptsFull MarksAnswer connects the student's behavior to the behavior of Homo erectus.4 ptsHalf MarksAnswer is provided but does not connect to the behaviors of Homo erectus.0 ptsNo MarksNo answer provided. 8 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeAnalyzing Homo erectus adaptation 8 ptsFull MarksAt least some of the adaptations of Homo erectus are described.4 ptsHalf MarksAnswer is provided but does not describe any of the adaptations of Homo erectus.0 ptsNo MarksNo answer provided. 8 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeArchaeological evidence 8 ptsFull MarksAnswer describes how future archaeologists would or would not find evidence of the behavior.4 ptsHalf MarksAn answer is provided but does not describe if future archaeologists would find evidence of the behavior or not.0 ptsNo AttemptNo answer provided. 8 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeFormatting/ Mechanics 8 ptsExcellentAnswers are in complete sentences and free of grammar or spelling mistakes.4 ptsHalf MarksAnswers are not in complete sentences or include several spelling or grammar errors.0 ptsNo AttemptNo answer provided. 8 pts