The readings and material from this course describe the importance of studying primates and evolution. Humans share many common traits with hominid ancestors. The bones of more than 500 early hominis have been found. Many traits tell us about human biology, such as bipedalism and teeth. The information from studying fossils can tell us what these hominins ate. This information relates to human characteristics of how humans eat and what they eat. Some traits from our early hominid ancestors relate to several human traits and characteristics and traits. Eating and walking seem to be the two most noticeable characteristics that are similar to humans.

In regard to understanding how teeth evolved over time, I always believed that canine teeth were for only for eating meat. However, when looking at humans who eat more meat than other primates, it’s interesting when examining human teeth compared to primates that other primates have larger canine teeth than humans. Austropithecus garhi has large teeth, and possibly took part in combat since large teeth were used for combat purposes.  I found it interesting that the Austropothecus garhi received its name because those who discovered the skull were surprised by some of the features of the skiull, in particular the enormous back teeth. In more detail, they had very large canines, molars, and premolars, thick enamel, and similar in appearance to A. afarenis but has more advanced features in the teeth.

When observing the hominid fossils, anthropologists can gain immense information from our hominid ancestors is bipedalism. As primates that walk upright, humans are a very unique and noticeable species. I found it interesting how feet have evolved over time, and how they depict how humans would walk and run. An example of this was demonstrated in the video “The Analysis of Ardipithecus Ramidus – One of the Earliest Known Hominids.” This video addresses Ardipithecus Ramidus, who was able to walk upright. I found it interesting that the video stated that if Ardi would come near us that Ardi’s walk would be very similar to ours. However, despite the similarities, when examining Ardi’s toes, Anthropologists claim that due to Ardi’s big inner toe would make Ardi unable to run. I found it interesting that if one were to look at Ardi’s foot, that the bigger toe would look similar to a thumb. It’s cool to see how the feet evolve over time in relation to their environment and activities.

Fossilized skeletal remains of early human ancestors can help anthropologists reconstruct and learn from the past by providing a timeline of biological and physical changes throughout evolution. By learning more about the previous hominids, we can better understand the human species and the similarities between humans and other primates. In addition, the fossils can provide information and allow anthropologists to make theories and predictions on why certain behaviors or characteristics occurred, and relate these characteristics and traits to humans. The information from fossils can provide more accurate and detailed information on our hominid ancestors and in relation to humans.