Humanization and Hominization: The Evolution of Humankind
1. Hominization
1.1 The Process of Hominization
What is the process of humanization?
- Hominization: The biological evolutionary process where species develop increasingly similar traits to humans (Homo sapiens). A major step was the formation of hominids (7.5 Ma ago), the biological family to which our species belongs, giving rise to different genera and species.
- Hominids: All fossil species in our evolutionary line that appeared after the divergence of the chimpanzee lineage (7.5 Ma ago).
1.2 Main Trends of Hominization
The process of hominization involves several features gradually being consolidated:
- Bipedalism: Sustaining and locomotion on two hind limbs (upright standing position).
- Anatomical Changes:
- The skull underwent significant changes (increased in size and bulged). The jaws became smaller and less prominent. Protruding forehead and chin, and a defined nose. Superciliary arches were reduced. The dental arch became rounded, and the teeth aligned and decreased in size (allowing greater tongue mobility). The foramen magnum shifted to a horizontal plane at the base of the brain.
- The spine developed a slight curve (double S-shape) to balance the body and support the head’s weight.
- The pelvis became wider and shorter compared to other primates (to receive and distribute body weight to the legs).
- The lower limbs elongated and specialized for weight-bearing and gait. The big toe lengthened, aligned with others, and lost its grasping ability.
- Adaptive Advantages:
- Extended visual field: Improved control of the environment and predator detection.
- Biomechanical efficiency: Energy-efficient locomotion over long distances.
- Improved thermoregulation: Reduced solar radiation exposure and increased wind cooling.
- Freeing of forelimbs: Carrying objects, tool use, manual dexterity, and increased social interaction.
- Anatomical Changes:
- Progressive Encephalization:
- Encephalization Index: Relationship between brain mass and body mass. Homo sapiens has the highest encephalization index (7).
- Consequences: Development of higher mental functions, enhanced social skills, and improved motor control.
- Causes: Strengthening of social bonds and incorporation of fat and animal protein in the diet.
- Immaturity at Birth:
Human newborns are helpless and require extensive care and social interaction, fostering social organization and cultural development.
2. Hominization and Humanization
While hominization is a biological evolutionary process (Nature), it gives rise to humanization, a cultural evolutionary process.
Humanization: The process of human cultural evolution.
Humanization led to cultural activity, a new way of existence separating humans from other species. This began as rudimentary instrumental activity serving basic biological purposes. Unlike other apes, humans developed the ability to build instruments using other instruments.
The next step, alongside language development, was expanding beyond survival to include religious and artistic expressions.
Why Culture? A fundamental human characteristic is our cultural constitution. This distinguishes us from nature but originates from our natural characteristics: initial helplessness, immaturity, and lack of instinctive behavior patterns. These features necessitate overcoming these deficiencies through learning and social interaction.