[Solved] From Fossils to Humans: Evolution & Human Variation

Assignment Prompt & Instructions

[>Anatomy homework help](https://www.sweetstudy.com/fields/biology-anatomy)

## ???? **Central Question**

## **How does human evolution help explain variation in modern humans?**

## ???? **Part 1: Hominin Evolution Timeline (Visual Component)**

### ✏️ Instructions

Create an **illustrated timeline** showing major steps in human evolution.

### ✅ Include the following species:

01. _Ardipithecus ramidus_
02. _Australopithecus afarensis_
03. _Australopithecus africanus_
04. _Homo erectus_
05. _Homo habilis_
06. _Homo heidelbergensis_
07. _Homo neanderthalensis_
08. _Homo sapiens_
09. _Paranthropus boisei_
10. _Sahelanthropus tchadensis_

### ???? For EACH species, include:

– When they lived (time period)
– Where they lived (geographic region)
– 1–2 key physical traits (ex: brain size, bipedalism, body structure)
– 1 cultural/behavioral trait (tools, diet, social behavior)
– An image of the species (this can be a fossil or artist recreation, but it MUST be identifiable as the species it is meant to represent)

### ???? **Timeline Requirements:**

– Organized in **correct chronological order**
– Includes **at least one visual per species** (image, drawing, icon)
– Clear, neat, and easy to read

### ????️ Format Options:

– Hand-drawn
– Word, PowerPoint, or Google Slides
– Canva or timeline generator

???? _Tip: Think of your timeline as telling the story of how humans changed over time._

_While Assignment #2 is not due until Friday, July 31st, you should aim to have Part 1 completed by Friday, July 24th._

## ???? **Part 2: Evolution & Human Variation Analysis (Written Component)**

_(400–600 words)_

### ✏️ Instructions

Using your timeline as evidence, explain how human evolution helps us understand **variation in modern humans**.

### ✅ Your response should:

– Describe **how hominins changed over time**

(use specific examples from your timeline)
– Explain how **evolutionary forces** (such as natural selection, environment, or adaptation) shaped these changes
– Connect these evolutionary changes to **modern human variation**, such as:

– physical differences (ex: skin color, body proportions)
– OR why humans are not divided into clear biological “races”

???? _Tip: Your timeline shows WHAT happened. Your writing explains WHY it matters._

## ✅ **Written Component** **Requirements**

– Timeline (visual component)
– 400–600 word written response
– At least **2 sources** (textbook + one outside source)
– In-text citations + Works Cited (APA or MLA)

## ✅ **CHECKLIST**

## ✅ Part 1: Timeline

☐ Included all required species

☐ Each species has:

– time period
– location
– physical traits
– cultural/behavioral trait
– image

☐ Timeline is in chronological order

☐ Neat and easy to read

## ✅ Part 2: Written Analysis

☐ 400–600 words

☐ Explains how humans changed over time

☐ Uses examples from timeline

☐ Explains how evolution shaped those changes

☐ Connects to modern human variation (traits OR race concept)

## ✅ Sources & Formatting

☐ At least 2 sources (textbook + outside source)

☐ In-text citations included

☐ Works Cited/References page included

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Assignment2EXAMPLE-Summer2026.docx](https://www.sweetstudy.com/files/assignment2example-summer2026-docx "Assignment2EXAMPLE-Summer2026.docx")