CHAPTER 7 - Evolution and Man

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the course of evolution of man. Comparative anatomical studies have revealed the presence of vestigal structures like man's useless appendix, the presence of which is difficult to explain other than the reference to organic evolution of man. Evidence for evolution is also derived from the existence of prehistoric remains of living organisms, which are discovered from time to time. The age of such fossils can be fairly accurately estimated by radioactive methods; by these means, a fairly accurate, though incomplete, picture of man's evolution can be built up. The chapter describes the process of evolution of man from the primates. One of the first basic achievements of early man was the development of tools and weapons used for obtaining food. The ability to make fire and control was a considerable advance in man's cultural development, which made possible further control of the environment. With the acquisition of speech, man possessed an effective form of communication by means of which experiences could be transferred from one generation to the next. The ability to learn, coupled with an ability to modify his behavior according to learned experience, consequently placed man on the path of cultural advance.