Out of Africa and into Asia

Article Abstract:

Excavations of the hominid remains in China reveal that the lineage moved to Asia from Africa about 1.9 million years ago. At Longgupo cave in China, dating experiments indicate that the fossils are a species similar to Homo (H.) ergaster, found only in Africa. The evidence supports the fact that hominids moved to China in the Pliocene era. The hominid lineage is considered to originate in Africa but there is no strong evidence of when the movement out of the country took place.

Analysis, Observations, Prehistoric peoples, Excavations (Archaeology)

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Ecce homo - behold mankind

Article Abstract:

Developments in molecular biology have meant that events in the evolution of Homo sapiens can be recorded. Once the genetic code was deciphered this eliminated the need to depend on phenotypic proxies for information about propinquity. Gene frequencies were used in the first attempts to relate regional populations. It is hoped that new and more precise analytical methods will be developed, which will add accuracy and precision to attempts to trace modern human evolution.

Evolution (Biology), Evolution

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Four legs good, two legs better

Article Abstract:

Two new studies in bipedalism are a step forward in our understanding of its evolution and uses. P.E. Wheeler's physiological model shows that bipedalism would reduce heat stress and water use in a 35-kg hominid, and that a naked verses haired skin is superior for cooling only when radiant heat is reduced. K.D. Hunt's behavioral study of chimpanzees shows that most of their bipedal activity is postural, not locomotive, and occurs in or near trees, not the savannah.

Chimpanzees, Human locomotion

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