Biological and Cultural Evolution of Man

Objectives and Outcomes

At the end of the learning period, the learners will be able to:
1. explain the Theory of Evolution;
2. trace the events that led to the development of modern man; and
3. describe the development of early man’s culture using an illustrative comparison.

Biological Evolution of Man

Creationism and Darwin’s Theory of Evolution

Creationism

The biblical account of the creation of human

beings occurs twice: in Genesis 1:26-27 and in
Genesis 2:18-24. Adam is created from the
dust of the earth, whereas Eve is created from
Adam's rib and given to him by God to be his
wife.

Darwin’s Theory on the Evolution of Man

English naturalist Charles Darwin announces his

theory of evolution through natural selection.
Darwin's complete theory is published in On the
Origin of Species in 1859. According to him
changes occurred through mutation, natural
selection and adaptation.

Mutation - a change in the structure of the

Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) in an individual’s
cells. Genes themselves are constantly being
modified through this process.

Natural Selection - sorts out the useful changes

in the gene pool. Beneficial new genes quickly spread through a population because
members who carry them have a greater reproductive success. On the other hand,
genes that are not as good for an organism are eliminated from the population because
the individuals who carry them do not survive and reproduce.

Adaptation – the development of physical and behavioral characteristics that allow

organisms to survive and reproduce in their habitats

Biol
 The evolution of humans and apes from a common ancestor.

Evolutionists’ Evidences

Evolution, in biology, complex

Paleontologists have recovered and
studied the fossil remains of many thousands
of organisms that lived in the past. Methods
such as Carbon Dating or radiometric dating
were used to identify and measure the
elapsed time since it existed. And from these
fossil evidences they reconstructed and
projected images of organisms.
process by which the characteristics
of living organisms change over
many generations as traits are
passed from one generation to the
next.
Paleontology - the study of life in
prehistoric times by using fossil
evidence

Fossil – the remains of an animal or

plant preserved from an earlier era
inside a rock or other geologic deposit, often as an impression or in a petrified state

Archeology - the scientific study of ancient cultures through the examination of their
material remains such as buildings, graves, tools, and other artefact usually dug up from
the ground

Artifact - an object made by a human being, e.g. a tool or ornament, especially one
that has archaeological or cultural interest
 Australopithecus Homo habilis Homo erectus Homo Sapiens
Height 1.10 m/ 3.63 ft. 1.59 m/ 5.25 ft. 1.60 m / 5.28 ft. 1.70 m / 5.61 ft.
Weight 40 kg 50 kg 60kg 70kg
Walked upright Cave dwellers Discovered fire Specialized tools

Cultural Evolution

Cultural evolution is the process of change in the traits manifested within a population
explained by various forms of social learning among species members

Bronze
and Iron
Neolithic
Age
Mesolithic
Upper
Paleolithic
Middle
Paleolithic
Lower
Paleolithic

Paleolithic Age (Old Stone Age)

Archaeological sites are often found in the deposits of caves and rock shelters. The use
of clothing and the ability to build more substantial shelters may have helped them
survive in cold regions, such as the central Asian steppe. Paleolithic is associated with
Homo sapiens neanderthalensis, or Neanderthals, who lived from about 200,000 to 35,000
years ago.
Mesolithic Age
During this age small pieces of flint worked into various shapes and the use of fire helped
them to survive cold conditions. Wood or antlers helped them to form tools such as arrows
and spears.

Neolithic Age (New Stone Age)

Most archaeologists believe that the development of farming in the Neolithic was one of
the most important and revolutionary innovations in the history of the human species. It
allowed more permanent settlements, much larger and denser populations, the
accumulation of surpluses and wealth, the development of more profound status and
rank differences within populations, and the rise of specialized crafts.

Bronze and Iron Ages

This age started the use of copper, bronze and iron for farming, ornaments and weapons.

Source and references:

● Antonio, Eleanor, D. et al, (2011), Turning Points I, Rex Printing Company Inc., Quezon
City, Philippines
● Samson, Maria Carmelita B. et al. (2012) Worktext in Asian History, Turning Points II,
Rex Bookstore, Quezon City, Philippines
● de Castro, P.A.S., Anduyon, M.A.G. & Vasco, R.A,.,(2013) Asian Identity in the Global
World, Sibs Publishing House Inc. Quezon City, Philippines
● Potts, Richard B. "Human Evolution." Microsoft® Encarta® 2009 [DVD]. Redmond, WA:
Microsoft Corporation, 2008.
● Vawter, Rev. Bruce. "Adam and Eve." Microsoft® Encarta® 2009 [DVD]. Redmond,
WA: Microsoft Corporation, 2008.
● Bonner, John Tyler. "Adaptation." Microsoft® Encarta® 2009 [DVD]. Redmond, WA:
Microsoft Corporation, 2008.
● Taflinger, R.F., (1996),Human Cultural Evolution, Retrieved from
http://public.wsu.edu/~taflinge/culture1.html last August 2016
● Lewens, Tim, "Cultural Evolution", The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Spring
2013 Edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed.),
http://plato.stanford.edu/archives/spr2013/entries/evolution-cultural/
● http://www.humannature.hps.cam.ac.uk/PrepubPrinceton.pdf
● http://etc.usf.edu/clipart/65600/65691/65691_adam_eve_lg.gif
● https://thescienceinformant.wordpress.com/2010/09/24/have-humans-stopped-
evolving-2/
● http://www.daldakinangpinay.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Si-Malakas-at-si-
Maganda.jpg
● http://media-3.web.britannica.com/eb-media/37/79537-004-EFDD3800.jpg
● http://media-1.web.britannica.com/eb-media/39/79539-004-6D93BE53.jpg