5. Human Evolution
Basic introduction to Human evolution and Theories of evolution: Lamarck's theory of inheritance; Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection.
- A brief idea of human ancestors โ Australopithecus, Homo habilis, Homo erectus, Neanderthals, Cro-Magnon and Homo sapiens sapiens (Modern Man) with reference to the following characteristics: Bipedalism; Increasing Cranial capacity; Reduction of size of canine teeth; Forehead and brow ridges; Development of chin; Reduction in body hair; Height and Posture.
- Lamarck's theory of inheritance of acquired characteristics โ with reference to use of organs (e.g.: neck and forelimbs of giraffe) and disuse of organs (e.g.: vestigial organs in humans like wisdom teeth, vermiform appendix, pinnae).
- Darwin's theory of Natural selection: Survival of the fittest - e.g. adaptation of peppered moth.