General
2: Human evolution
This online synchronous meeting will take place on Date | Time. Attendance is mandatory.
Introduction
After learning about speciation and natural selection it is time to move closer to home namely human evolution. This module deals with the evolution of the family Hominidae. There are many characteristics that humans share with African apes but also many anatomical differences between humans and African Apes. This points to a common ancestor.
There are many lines of evidence that points to the idea of a common ancestor and human evolution. These lines include fossil evidence, genetic evidence and the use of tools.
The Out-of-Africa hypothesis states that humans evolved in Africa and slowly moved out of Africa and spread throughout the earth.Module overview
This module deals with human evolution. The module starts with notes on how phylogenetic trees work. It is followed by the characteristics that humans and African apes share and their anatomical differences. The evidence for common ancestors for living hominids is then discussed in detail. After this it is followed by the Out-of-Africa hypothesis.
Learning outcomes
By the end of this module, you will be able to:
- Interpret
a phylogenetic tree to show the place of the family Hominidae in the animal
kingdom
- List
the characteristics that humans share with African apes
- Explain
the anatomical differences between African Apes and humans with the aid of
diagrams
- Describe
the lines of evidence that support the idea of common ancestors for living
hominids including humans
- Explain
the out of Africa hypothesis with evidence
- Set
questions based on the different levels of Bloom’s taxonomy.
- Interpret
a phylogenetic tree to show the place of the family Hominidae in the animal
kingdom
Study materials
Module structureUnit 1: How to teach phylogenetic trees
- Click on the link below to review additional information on this topic
- Complete the first part of activitiy 2.1 i.e. 2.1.1 online by clicking on the link below title 'Activity 2.1.1'
- Using a NEW Word document, complete the remainder of activity 2.1 on pages 5 - 7 of the module guide.
Unit 2: What are the traits humans share with African apes and what are the anatomical differences between them?- Click on the link below to review additional information on this topic
- Using the SAME Word document, complete activity 2.2 on pages 9 - 10 of the module guide.
Unit 3: What is used as evidence for common ancestors of living hominids?
- Click on the link below to review additional information on this topic
- Complete Qs 2.3.1 of activity 2.3 online by clicking on the link titled 'Activity 2.3.1'
- Using the SAME Word document, complete the remaining Qs 2.3.2 on pages 20 - 21 of the module guide
- Using the SAME Word document, complete activity 2.4 on pages 22 - 23 of the module guide
- Using the SAME Word document, complete activity 2.5 on page 24 of the module guide
- Using the forum tool below, discuss amongst your peers how you would teach your learners this content i.e. fossil, genetic and cultural evidence. What activities would you use as teaching aids in this topic?
Unit 4: What is the 'Out-of-Africa' hypothesis?
- Click on the link below to review additional information on this topic
- Using the SAME Word document, complete activity 2.6 on pages 26 - 27 of the module guide
- Submit your document by using the submission tool below.
Subject methodologyEnrichment resources
The following enrichments resources can possibly add value to your lesson plans? Have you any additional resources that you can share with your peers?
Technology supportBelow are some ideas of online technology resources that can be used to support your lesson plans. Please always be aware of the 'Terms of Use' when you access these websites and resources.
Module summaryIn order to understand human evolution it is important to know the different kind of evidences that are used to substantiate this claim namely fossil evidence, genetic evidence and cultural evidence. Special care has been taken to focus on phylogenetic trees as this has been pointed out as being a problematic topic. This module covers all the requirements for the DBE NSC exams w.r.t. the topic: Human evolution.