The Hunting of Ancient Human Beings - Term Paper Example

Introduction The history of mankind is that of change and continuity over time. Archeological studies give evidence of existence of the early man in Africa who migrated later to Europe and Asia. The evolution of these bipedal creatures was necessitated by the need to adapt to new lifestyles and environment and dates back to 3-4 million years ago in Africa with the Australopithecus. Later in 1959, Louis and Mary Leakey discovered a species of hominids called the Homo Habilis or the “handy or skillful human” whose origin dated back to 2.5 million years ago (Duiker & Spielvogel 3). These hominids evolved into Homo Erectus 1.5 million years ago followed by the Neanderthal man 200000 years ago. These hominids were hunter-gathers and used stone tools for this work and each stage was marked by improved intellect and mind. Due to increased population leading to overhunting, a Neolithic Revolution occurred 12000 years ago thus shift from hunting and gathering to plant and animal domestication in the Middle East along the Nile. This paper will discuss the hunting methods of the early man from Homo habilis, Homo erectus, and Neanderthal men to the beginning of Agriculture by the Homo sapiens. Homo Habilis The Homo habilis are the earliest species of “homins” or bipedal beings. They were regarded as the “handymen” or “skillful human” by Louis and Mary Leaky who discovered their fossils alongside at Olduvai Gorge in Africa in 1959. According to the archeologists, Homo habilis existed 2.5 million years ago and were the earliest tools making hominid. They had a brain fifty percent larger than their predecessors the Australopithecus who lived 3-4 million years ago (Duiker & Spielvogel 3). They were regarded as handy as they could use their hands to grasp objects and make stone tools marking the beginning of the Paleolithic period (Old Stone Age). They were bipedal humans in that they had an upright posture and could walk with their legs unlike the Australopithecines who were more like chimpanzees. According to Brown, Fairfak and Sarao, they had “larger teeth than human and elongated premolars” (n.p). Their brain had a cranial capacity of 550cc. The development of the brain was a very crucial for early men as it determined the way of life and advancement to the next stage of evolution. These hominids depended on hunting and gathering hence intellect determined the types of tools to make and the type of game and fruits to gather as well as survival tactics. The development of stone tools (oldowan tools) such as choppers, flakes and scrappers enabled them to hunt, skin animals, protect prey, and dig soil and search for edible roots and insect larvae. The Homo habilis hunted lizards, pigs, rabbits, young antelopes and fish since they used to live near a lake. They also gathered berries, fruits and herbs to supplement the meat. However, they had to follow the game wherever they went hence most of the hunting was done by men while women engaged in gathering fruits and herbs around the home (Brown et al. n.p). Since they only had very crude tools, they relied more on gathering than hunting as they could only kill small animals. They also had to live in groups and hunt as a pack for them to be successful and to survive. The more the brain developed the more refined tools the hominids made thus transitioning into the next stage. Homo erectus The next stage of evolution was the Homo erectus (upright man) and this can be dated back to 1.5 million years ago. According to Duiker and Spielvogel, they were “the first to leave Africa and move to Europe and Asia” (3). They were thus the first migratory Homo species who made larger and more valid tools. Their brain was 600-1250cc hence larger than Homo habilis. In order to adapt to the hunter-gatherer lifestyle, they had smaller teeth than Homo habilis located on backside of incisors and were scooped in appearance or shovel-shaped (Brown et al. n.p). Although their tools were still crude, they were more refined and complex than those of Homo habilis hence they could catch more and larger game like elephants. They were thus more carnivores than vegetable eaters. Their tools were regarded as the Acheulean tools and included hand axes cleavers. These hand axes were in turn used to hammer flakes off stone to make axes and cutting tools. These Acheulean tools according to Mindsparks were “all-purpose tools” (10). They could be used in digging, hammering stones, butchering, scraping hides and chopping wood. The Homo erectus could walk straight and this made it easier to use the tools. They also butchered prey on site into smaller pieces which they carried to their dwellings. However, they did not have shelter yet but they were the first to discover fire. The fire made the food tastier, edible, healthier, and last longer. As a result, reproduction increased making food more scarce hence increased migration. The Homo erectus progressed into the Neanderthal men. Neanderthal Men The Neanderthal men evolved 29 000 years ago or 200000-300000 B.C.E in Neander valley in Germany (Duiker & Spielvogel 3). They thus existed in the middle Paleolithic period and made a variety of stone stools. They were also the earliest to start burying their dead indicating the social life and closely knit society they lived. According to Brown et al (n.p) they had robust bodies, projecting noses, receding chins and large round finger tips indicating their closeness to the modern man. Their brain was also larger than earlier hominids (1200-1750cc). Their dentition was similar to Homo sapiens although they had no groove on canine teeth and no space behind the last molars. Contrary to their predecessors, they constructed structures or lived in caves as evidenced by rock art and body painting (MindSparks 9). They also had the ability to communicate making their life easier. They became successful hunters as they could use their intellect to plan their hunting expeditions and to decide which animals to hunt especially large animals and which plants to eat. They also made weapons to protect themselves hence not become preys to other animals. However, they did not have the knowledge of growing crops or raising animals. The Neanderthals disappeared around 35 000 years ago giving way for Homo sapiens to flourish during upper Paleolithic period. Neolithic Revolution The Homo Sapiens had better tools hence more adaptable to the environment. This made population to grow and harder to find game enough to feed or fruits and grains. They thus had to develop new ways of living to cope with the changes. Furthermore, they had intellect and could communicate effectively hence decide on matters affecting them (MindSparks 9). They also made bone and antler tools like spearheads, spear throwers, harpoons and eye needles that increased efficiency. They thus settled and began domesticating plants and animals especially as a result of discovery of copper, bronze and writing. This agriculture began in Mesopotamia (Tigris-Euphrates) in 8000 B.C.E. Conclusion In this essay, I have discussed the transition from hunting-gathering to farming and herding highlighting the various hunting methods used by early men at each stage beginning with Homo habilis, Homo erectus, Neanderthal men and Homo sapiens. I have argued that as the mind and intellect improved, so did the refinement of tools occur and consequently the change in hunting methods. The Homo habilis used the oldowan tools which were crude hence less game hunting and more gathering. The Homo erectus used Acheulean tools which were more refined hence more game and a shift from more gathering to eating meat. They also used fire to hunt and cook. The Neanderthal men were the closest to modern man (Homo sapiens). Their tools were more advanced and they lived in settlements as evidenced by rock art and burial ceremonies. Neanderthal men gave way to Homo sapiens who were very developed in terms of tools and writing thus marking the shift from hunting and gathering to agriculture. Works Cited Brown Graham., Fairfak, Stephanie and Sarao Nidhi. Human Evolution. Tree of Life Web Project. N.d. Web. 2 November, 2014. Tolweb.org/treehouses/?treehouse=id=3710/ Duiker William and Spielvogel, Jackson. World History. Mason, OH: Cengage, 2012. MindSparks. From Hunter-Gatherers to Farmers and Herders. Culver City, CA: MindSparks, 2007. Read More