Chapter 2: ORIGIN OF HUMAN BEINGS – HISTORY FORM ONE NOTES
Every living creature in the world undergoes development. Human beings, animals, plants, insects, and bacteria have undergone change overtime, Human beings originated from other creatures over millions of years.
Changes in succeeding generations made humans better in terms of appearance, mental ability and tool making.
In this chapter, you will learn about the theories of the origin of human beings, stages of human evolution and technological development. The competencies developed will enable you to trace and value your origin.
Think
Origin of the existence of human beings on the earth.
Characteristics of Evolution of Humans
i. The skulls were smaller in size than that of the current man.
ii. The volume of the brain between 600-700 c.c.
iv. Human had higher brows than in chimps and the face had more prominent facial structure.
v. Distinct edges of the forehead were clear and easily identifiable.
vi. The occipital condyles were ventrally positioned
vii. The back of the skull was round in shape.
viii. They have huge jaws with small incisors.
ix. It additionally had enormous and spatulate canines
ORIGIN OF HUMAN BEINGS
Theories of the Origin of Human Beings
Major Groups of Human Ancestors
Human technology (Stone Age and Iron Age)
Revision Exercise
1. Write short notes on the following:
(a) Acheulian tools
(b) Oldowan tools
(c) Palaeolithic period
(d) Bipedalism
(e) Homo habilis
2. The discovery of fire during the Middle Stone Age had the same significance as the discovery of the computer in modern society. Explain.
3. Describe how pre-colonial African societies benefited from the use of iron.
4. Describe the physical characteristics of human beings during the following periods:
(a) Early Stone Age
(b) Middle Stone Age
