21. Characteristics of H. sapiens
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Homo sapiens sapiens is the name for all living human being on the planet. This species is the last hominid group. Homo sapiens began to evolve around 200,000 years ago.
Physical Characteristics Homo sapiens sapiens have a lighter build and larger brains compared to earlier humans. Modern humans have brains that are about 1300 cc but change between males and females. Our species is taller, thinner, and has darker eyes to cope better with heat. Also, Homo sapiens sapiens have a high vaulted cranium and a flat almost vertical forehead to fit our large brain. Modern humans do not have protruding brow bones. In addition, they have pointed chins and tall foreheads compared to Neanderthals.
In the picture below, a Neanderthal's skull is shown and the skull on the right is a Homo sapien sapien. The characteristics listed in the paragraph above are shown in this skull comparison.
http://anthro.palomar.edu/homo2/mod_homo_4.htm
Sources:
LM pages 30-31
How and Why We Have Changed Video (9/23/13)
http://anthro.palomar.edu/homo2/mod_homo_4.htm
Ellie Gershenwald
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