HOW HAVE WE CHANGED SINCE OUR SPECIES FIRST APPEARED?

1. Average height of Homo sapiens over the last 40,000 years

1.1. -40,000 years ago: European males – 183 cm (6 feet).

1.2. -Today: European males – 175 cm (5ft 9 inches

2. Smaller teeth and jaws

2.1. Overall, these changes have occurred in proportion with a decrease in body size

2.2. A decrease in size has occurred in the jaws and teeth of Homo sapiens over the last 30,000 years.

3. Smaller brains

3.1. 100,000 years ago: average brain size: 1500cc 12,000 years ago: average brain size: 1450cc Today: average brain size: 1350cc

4. Overview

4.1. We have undergone change since our species first evolved. Some changes were universal whereas others were more regional in effect.

5. Developing physical diversity: All one species but looking different

5.1. Recent DNA studies (since 2007) confirm that genetic traits have changed or adapted to new environments during this time.

5.2. Physical characteristics such as skin and eye colour, hair type and colour and body shape are determined by genetics

6. Face shape: Eskimos have adapted to extreme cold by retaining layers

7. All one species – how climate affects physical characteristics

7.1. Body builds: Short, stocky builds are typical of humans living in cold climates

7.2. Skin colour: Lighter skin allows the penetration of the sun’s UV rays

7.3. Noses: People living in hot, humid climates tend to have broad.

7.4. Hair: Tight, curly hair keeps the hair off the neck and exposes more areas of the scalp than straight hair.

7.5. Mouth shape: Thick lips have a larger surface area to help evaporate moisture and cool the body.

7.6. Eyes: The epicanthic fold common among Northern and Eastern Asian populations

7.7. Additional: Australian Aborigines of the Central Desert have an unusual physical adaptation to living in a climate

8. Smaller bodies

8.1. The decrease has been gradual but has been most noticeable in the last 10,000 years.

9. Members: Huesca Ocampo Luis Felipe Robles Quevedo Edgar Baños Durán Mariana Romero Arellano Alexia Michelle