U4 - Compendium Review HL: Part 1

Compendium Review
Major Topic Two: Human Landscapes

Table of Contents
Part One
• Origin of Life
• Biological Evolution
• Classification of Humans
• Evolution of Hominids
• Evolution of Humans
Part Two
• The Nature of Ecosystems
• Energy Flow
• Global Biochemical Cycles
Part Three
• Human Population Growth
• Use of Resources and the Consequences
• Biodiversity
• Working Towards a Sustainable Society
• Origin of Life
Replication of the Urey-Miller experiment.

By passing electrical sparks through
mixtures of hydrogen, methane, ammonia,
and water vapor, scientists produced
colored amino acids, the building blocks of
organic life. The experiment was first
performed by Stanley Miller in 1953 and
has now been repeated many times
elsewhere. These photographs show an
experiment at NASA-Ames Research
Center's Chemical Evolution Branch.
Picture & Verbiage from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Origin_of_life
Origin of Life
The Primitive Earth: The solar system was in place about 4.6 billion years ago and its original
atmosphere consisted of water, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and a little hydrogen and carbon
monoxide (gases from volcanoes). Early stages of this planet were extremely hot and water only
existed in the form of gas. As the planet cooled, water began to condense and is responsible for the
formation of our oceans today. It is theorized that a chemical evolution could have been
responsible for the first cell(s) on this planet.
It is believed that small organic
compounds (amino acids and
nucleotides) may have been
produced by the reaction of gases
with one another and energy
sources (volcanoes, lightening, UV
radiation, radioactive isotopes). It is
believed that macromolecules were
formed by the combining of the
smaller organic compounds. Some
believe that the first origin of life
resulted from the RNA-first
hypothesis, while others speculate
the protein-first hypothesis. It is
believed that a protocell may have
come to existence by way of the
protein-first hypothesis. When a lip
and microsphere associate, they
produce a lipid-protein membrane.
The protocol would have used
organic molecules from the ocean The protocell could not reproduce, only metabolize; and a true
as a food source, therefore it was a cell reproduces. Once the protocell could reproduce and had
heterotroph (takes in preformed genes made of DNA, it became a true cell.
food). Pictures from Human Biology Page 468
• Origin of Life
This map
displays the
voyage of the
Beagle which is
when Charles
Darwin noted
varying
geological
features.
Picture from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Darwin

Biological Evolution
The progression by which a particular species changes over a given time is known as
biological evolution. Organisms are able to survive and reproduce in certain
environments due to their ability to adapt.
“Eocene fossil fish

“A mosquito and a fly in Baltic Priscacara liops from Green
amber that is between 40 and River Formation of Utah.”
60 million years old.”
Common Decent: There is quite a bit of evidence that suggests that organisms are
related through common decent. The remains of certain species that existed on our
planet is known as fossils. Fossils can consist of bones, prints, burrows, trails,
droppings, impressions of plants, and insects trapped in amber. We are able to date
fossils by the strata (layers in a series of layers) they are found in. The innermost layer
is the oldest while each continuing layer outward is newer. Fossil records have
documented the evolution from some of the earlier life forms to today's species which
confirms the order of prokaryotic cells to eukaryotic cells. Transitional fossils display
characteristics of two groups. Some also believe that evolution is directly influenced by
biogeography, or the blend of plants and animals in a given location.
Pictures & Verbiage from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fossils
When Charles Darwin traveled the world he
noted anatomical evidence to support the
common decent hypothesis. Comparing
vertebrate forelimbs of different animals, he
noted that although they have vastly different
functions, they all consist of the same bones.
Thus, the different variations originated from a
common ancestor and change over time do to
evolutionary reasons. Organisms are related by
evidence of homologous structures when and
anatomical similarity is inherited from a
common ancestor. Organisms who may have
similarities but are anatomically structured
differently, known as displaying analogous
structures, do not descend from the same
ancestor. A vestigial structure is an anatomical
characteristic that is used in one species and
not in another species of considerable
similarity. For examples, most birds use their
wings for flight, but the ostrich, which is a bird,
does not. Embryological development of
different species displays the homology shared
among vertebrates. Also, there is biochemical
evidence of homology shared among
Pictures from Human Biology Page 472
vertebrates because almost all organisms
display the same biochemical molecules.

Darwin used the idea of natural selection to
explain certain mechanisms for the process of
adaptation. The basis of natural selection
depended on variation, competition for limited
resources, and adaptation. Physical
characteristics of members within a given
species vary and can be passed on from
generation to generation. The members in a
given species that possess beneficial traits
which allows them to capture more resources
will reproduce more while passing these traits
on.

• Origin of Life
“The hominoids
are descendants
of a common
ancestor.”
Picture and verbiage from

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evolution
Classification of Humans
Each organism has a binomial name, giving
its genus and species. Organisms found in the
same domain have similarities, but organisms
found in the same genus have strong
characteristics among one another. The use
of DNA / rRNA / protein sequencing data is
helping scientists to find relationships among
species. Also, due to the changing nature of
mitochondrial DNA, scientists are able to
determine the timing of evolutionary events.

Primates is an order of
species which possess
extreme similarities such as,
“…the use of hands, varied
locomotion, and the
complex flexible behavior
involving a high level of
social interaction and
cultural adaptability.” This
order has two suborders:
prosimians (lemurs, tarsiers,
and lorises) and anthropoids
(monkeys, apes, and
humans). The similar
characteristics among
primates include mobile
forelimbs and hindlimbs,
binocular vision, large
complex brains, and a
reduced reproductive rate.
Surprisingly, our genomes
are 99% identical to chimps.
Verbiage from http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/primate and picture from Human Biology page 477
This diagram shows a primate

evolutionary tree of how homo
sapiens share a common
ancestor with African Apes.
Picture and verbiage from Human Biology page 478

• Origin of Life
“Full
reconstruction of
Lucy on display at
Museum of Man,
San Diego,
California.”
Pictures from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucy_%28Australopithecus%29

Evolution of Hominids
An evolutionary tree is a diagram hypothesizing the
history of a particular group of organisms. The branch
of an evolutionary tree that humans belong to is called
hominid. When paleontologists study fossils, they
examine its anatomical features to determine if it is a
hominid. One of these features is whether the
organisms walked on two feet, known as bipedal
posture. Another feature looked at is the shape of the
fossils face and the brain size. The earliest hominid
fossil found, called sahelanthropus tchadensis, dates
back about 7 million years ago. Another early hominid
known as orrorin tugenensis date back about 6 mya.
Replica Australopithecus boisei skull. Cast from originals.

Skull discovered by Mary Leakey, Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania
1959 - 1.75 million years old. Jaw discovered by Kamoya
Kimeu 1964 - 1.5 million years old. Displayed at Museum of
Man, San Diego, California.
Humans appear to be a descendant of a group of

species originating from Africa known as the
australopithecines. The first australopithecine fossil
was found in Southern Africa in the 1920’s. About 20
years ago, almost 250 fossils were found in Eastern
Picture from
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f1/Australo Africa. The fossils were categorized into gracile and
pithecus_boisei_skull.jpg/390px-Australopithecus_boisei_skull.jpg
a robust australopithecine.
• Origin of Life

Evolution of Humans
In order for a fossil to be assigned to
the genus Homo, it must satisfy one
of the following three categories:
brain size is 600 cm3, tool use is
evident, or the jaw and teeth
resemble a humans. Homo habilis
(dated between 2 and 1.9 mya) have
a brain size of about 775 cm³,
smaller cheek teeth, and display
evidence of tool use. Homo erectus
(dated between 1.9 and .3 mya)
have a brain size of about 1000
cm³, a flatter face, and a bigger
nose. The homo erectus are more
notably known as the Asian form
while the African form is known as
the Homo ergaster. Homo erectus is
known to be the first hominid to
create complex tools and use fire.
Picture from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homo_habilis &

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homo_ergaster
Evolution of Humans
Most scientists believe that humans, Homo sapiens, evolved from Homo erectus. Even
further, some hypothesize we evolved in different locations, known as the multiregional
continuity hypothesis. Opponents of the MRC hypothesis believe that Homo sapiens
evolved only in Africa and then migrated to other continents. This is known as the out-
of-Africa hypothesis.
Pictures from Human Biology page 484

The Homo neandertalensis lived throughout Asia and Evolution of Humans
Europe during the last ice age. They possessed many
traits accustomed to colder climates such as short
muscular builds, larger fingers, round ribcages, and
large bones such as knee caps and collar bones. They
also displayed a large brain size of 1200-1750 cm³,
which is bigger than Homo sapiens. Also, they had a
hyoid bone which implies they had the ability to
communicate through speech. Most lived in caves,
and there is evidence of spear tools which were
probably used for hunting.
The oldest dated Homo sapiens fossil to be found is known
as a group called the Cro-Magnons. Their DNA is very
different of the Neandertals, which confirms that there
was no interbreeding between the two even though they
did co-exist together. It is believed the Cro-Magnons lived “Comparison of crania,
from about 45,000 to 10,000 years ago. “Surviving Cro- sapiens (left) and
Magnon artifacts include huts, cave paintings, carvings neandertalensis (right).”
and antler-tipped spears. The remains of tools suggest
that they knew how to make woven clothing. They had
huts, constructed of rocks, clay, bones, branches, and
animal hide/fur. These early humans used manganese and
iron oxides to paint pictures and may have created the
first calendar around 15,000 years ago.” Both Homo
Neandertalensis and Cro-Magnons displayed a culture.
Pictures and Verbiage from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cro-Magnons & The Cro-Magnon Skull
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homo_neanderthalensis#Anatomy
Evolution of Humans
“Richard Lewontin (born March 29, 1929) is
an American evolutionary biologist, geneticist
and social commentator. A leader in
developing the mathematical basis of
population genetics and evolutionary theory,
he pioneered the notion of using techniques
from molecular biology such as gel
electrophoresis to apply to questions of
genetic variation and evolution. In a pair of
1966 papers co-authored with J.L. Hubby in
the journal Genetics, Lewontin helped set the
stage for the modern field of molecular
evolution.
In a landmark paper, Richard Lewontin
identified that most of the variation (80-85%)
within human populations is found within
local geographic groups and differences
attributable to traditional "race" groups are a
minor part of human genetic variability (1-
15%). Subsequent work by other researchers
using more modern techniques have
supported these results.”
Verbiage and Picture from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Lewontin & Human Biology Page 486
Works Cited
"Abiogenesis." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia.
Encyclopedia. 7 Apr 2008, 16:09 UTC. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. 2 May 2008 <
http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Abiogenesis&oldid=210830737>.
http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Abiogenesis&oldid=210830737>.
"Charles Darwin." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia.
Encyclopedia. 7 May 2008, 16:13 UTC. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. 7 May 2008 <
http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Charles_Darwin&oldid=211054161>.
http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Charles_Darwin&oldid=211054161>.
"Cro-Magnon." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia.
Encyclopedia. 30 Apr 2008, 18:27 UTC. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. 7 May 2008 <
http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Cro-Magnon&oldid=209280398>.
http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Cro-Magnon&oldid=209280398>.
"Evolution." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia.
http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Evolution&oldid=211276043>.
http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Evolution&oldid=211276043>.
"Fossil." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia.
http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Fossil&oldid=211279131>.
http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Fossil&oldid=211279131>.
"Homo habilis." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia.
http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Homo_habilis&oldid=211021072>.
http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Homo_habilis&oldid=211021072>.
"Homo ergaster." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia.
http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Homo_ergaster&oldid=211150274>.
http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Homo_ergaster&oldid=211150274>.
"Lucy (Australopithecus)." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia.
http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Lucy_%28Australopithecus%29&oldid=209500179>.
http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Lucy_%28Australopithecus%29&oldid=209500179>.
Mader, Sylvia S. Human Biology.
Biology. New York: The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc, 2008. Pages 467-488.
"Neanderthal." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia.
http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Neanderthal&oldid=211269732>.
http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Neanderthal&oldid=211269732>.
"Paranthropus boisei." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia.
http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Paranthropus_boisei&oldid=211297528>.
http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Paranthropus_boisei&oldid=211297528>.
"primate." Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1).
1.1). Random House, Inc. 07 May. 2008.
<Dictionary.com http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/primate>.
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/primate>.
"Richard Lewontin." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia.
http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Richard_Lewontin&oldid=210403439>.
http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Richard_Lewontin&oldid=210403439>.

U4 - Compendium Review HL: Part 1

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

U4 - Compendium Review HL: Part 1

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Compendium Review

Major Topic Two: Human Landscapes

Replication of the Urey-Miller experiment.

Picture from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Darwin

“Eocene fossil fish

Pictures from Human Biology Page 473

Pictures from Human Biology Page 474

Picture and verbiage from

Pictures from Human Biology Page 475

This diagram shows a primate

Picture and verbiage from Human Biology page 478

Pictures from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucy_%28Australopithecus%29

Replica Australopithecus boisei skull. Cast from originals.

Humans appear to be a descendant of a group of

Pictures from Human Biology Page 481

Picture from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homo_habilis &

Pictures from Human Biology page 484

You might also like