Human Evolution

Support

A scientific explanation can predict an explain. Evidence supports never Prove anything.

Gene

A segment of DNA that stores genetic information. Genes are very different between groups of species, and can tell us how things are related.

Mutations

Changes in the DNA that affect the way a gene function.

Evolution Scientifically

Evolution combines many well-supported hypothesis to explain various aspects of life on earth. Natural selection, genetic inheritance, population genetics.

The science implies

Experiment, observation, repeatable, evidence that supports or refutes hypothesis never prove.

Evolution Starter definition

Genetic change in a population over time.

Evolution Scientifically

Is a theory supported by substantial amounts of evidence. Is an observable fact.

Anthropology

Is the study of humans and other primates.

Sub Fields of Biological Anthropology

Modern humans, Pre-Modern humans, Non-Humans primates.

Types of Evidence in Human Evolution

Molecular (DNA), Anatomical, Genetic.

Scientific Method

Observation, Hypothesis (if..then), Test hypothesis with data, Results, Evidence Supports=Repeat, Inconsistent Evidence=Revise Hypothesis.

Studies of modern humans

Osteology, Skeletal biology, Forensic Anthropology.

Peer review/Repeteability

Other scientists in the field critique work and/or attempt to reproduce results.

Studies of pre-modern humans

Paleoantrhopology, paleopathology, bioarcheology.

Studies of non-humans primates

Primatology, Paleoprimatology.

Theory

Set of very well-tested hypothesis. Explain why and how events occur and can also predict them. Theory of gravity, planetary motion.

Law

Tell us what will happen based on past observations (not explanations). Nudge pencil=fall. The sun will rise every day.

Science

The study of natural phenomena

What type of things do scientists study?

They study subfields of biological anthropology.

How does studying other species help us to better grasp our own evolutionary history?

To address when, where did we evolve? how are we different? why did we evolve? who were our ancestors?