Choose three (3) of the following essay topics:
The story of human evolution begins with the separation of the chimpanzee and human lines from a common ancestor about 5 to 6 million years ago. By 1.9 million years ago, the hominid line had evolved into the genus Homo, the first real humans. Trace the development of early hominds between 6 million and 1.9 million years ago by describing the major hominid fossils and archaeological finds of this era.
Discuss the spread of the genus Homo, including Homo ergaster, Homo erectus, and Homo sapiens, throughout the world. Be sure to refer to the biological (both human and faunal) evidence, climatic changes, and the social and cultural adaptations by each species during the Pleistocene.
Describe the lifeways of the people of the Upper Paleolithic period as understood from archaeological evidence. Focus on their food resources, technology, artistic expression, and forms of settlement. As well, explain what Steven Mithen means by “cultural explosion” in relation to changes in lifeways that occurred during the Upper Paleolithic.
Explain why the first settlement of the Americas is a controversial topic, and outline the major hypotheses proposed to explain how it happened. Describe the archaeological, biological, and linguistic evidence indicating timing, location of route or routes, and human adaptations.
Define the terms “Sahul,” “Sunda,” and “Wallacea,” and discuss their importance in the first settlement of Southeast Asia. Be sure to include geographic features, chronology, and lifeways of early migrants to these areas.
Sample Solution