HUMANS AND THE WORLD THEY HELPED CREATE

In this, our final lab, we will bring together the fossil, genetic and archaeological evidence to understand how our species has changed with our environment. I emphasize the word with, because there is little question that we have, and continue to play a major role on how the earth has changed, as well as being changed by it. While all organisms have some effect, humans seem to have been the most important, because we consistently and consciously not only adapt to the environment, but we adapt the environment to ourselves!

In this lab you will visit the Smithsonian website and watch interviews, see slides and read a chapter. The site itself is wonderful! Take some time if you can, to investigate the many features it has and some of its interesting exhibits.

Instructions:

I. First, use this link to visit the Smithsonian Institute for Human Origins: http://humanorigins.si.edu

Once in, scroll along the top and at the far left, find "Human Evolution Research." Now, drop down and click on "Climate Effects on Human Evolution." Read this article by following it down answering these questions:

1. What is meant by ‘climate fluctuation?'
2. How do we know climate in the past has changed, and what those changes were?
3. How do organisms change in response to environmental change?
4. What is the ‘Variability Selection Hypothesis' for origin of humans?
5. What are some of the diverse habitats in which early hominins lived?
6. How did the ability to make stone tools enable hominins to adapt and survive in different environments? Give some examples.
7. How did the brain of hominins change along with this adaptability? Give examples.
8. How might the ability to create and use symbols have changed along with the ability to adapt and survive?
9. In what ways did Neanderthals also adapt and survive?
10. Overall, do you think Pott's Variability Selection Hypothesis is supported by evidence? Why or why not?

II. Now return to the first page of the SI website. Find the chapter on ‘Survival of the Adaptable, ‘ directly beneath the "Climate Effects .." article. Read this; it is short, but it provides a more detailed explanation of the same material.

III. Now, still under the "Human Evolution Research" section, scroll over to the "Anthropocene: Age of Humans," section and click on it. This extends our understanding of human behavior from the past, to the present and future. What can we learn from our understanding about human and environmental interaction? Worded another way, what can we learn from our past that has productive value for our continued survival in the future? Read this drop down article and answer the following:

1. What is the Anthropocene? Why are there debates over its origins and time frame?

2. Why is the Anthropocene signficant? Why do some scientists argue for an ‘intentional' influence on environmental use?

3. What is the state of our planet? Give some evidence for ways humans have had an impact on this ‘state of planet.'

4. What are some positive aspects of human culture and creativity? How can these be adapted to creative, intentional solutions for our planet and our own survival?

5. What are some ways climate change and human evolution are interrelated? Give at least two examples.

6. Select any two of the questions posed at the end of the article, on ways we might ‘craft a future of the anthropocene,' and offer a brief (paragraph) offering your own thoughts on the subject.

IV. Finally, consider this: How have your own thoughts and ideas of anthropology, evolution and behavior changed over this course?
Consider this question: "I used to think......., but now I think......" and fill in the blanks. Each student can add her/his own answer to this question.