Human Evolution: From Australopithecus to Homo Sapiens
Human Evolution
Australopithecus
The first hominids were just over one meter tall, with long ape-like arms. However, their spine, pelvis, and lower limbs were adapted for bipedal locomotion. They were vegetarians with large molars, thick jaws, and a pronounced cranial crest. Bipedalism freed the powerful muscles of their arms and hands for other actions. They walked on their hind legs.
Homo habilis
Homo habilis lived in Africa alongside australopithecines. Similar in appearance to australopithecines
Read MoreEnvironmental Problems and Policies in Spain
1. Environmental Problems and Policies
1.3.4 The Water Policy
The water policy has two main purposes:
- The regulation of water, which corresponds to the Water Act. It states that all surface waters and groundwaters are state public domain.
- The management of water resources, which is carried out by water planning:
- Basin Water Plans identify the needs and works of each basin. They are prepared by the Hydrographic Confederations.
- The National Water Plan coordinates watershed plans and designs the overall
The Geological Cycle: Shaping Earth’s Surface
The Geological Cycle
Introduction
The geological cycle encompasses the processes that shape Earth’s surface over vast periods. It involves the creation, destruction, and transformation of rocks through various internal and external forces. These processes include erosion, transportation, sedimentation, lithification, diagenesis, metamorphism, magmatism, and orogeny.
Sedimentation and Lithification
Erosion breaks down rocks into smaller particles, which are then transported by wind, water, or ice to
Read MoreFactors and Elements that Influence Spain’s Climate
Factors and Elements Influencing Spain’s Climate
Factors
Spain’s diverse climate is shaped by a multitude of factors, which can be broadly categorized as geographical and thermodynamic.
Geographical Factors
Several geographical elements impact Spain’s climate:
- Latitude: Located in the North Temperate Zone, Spain experiences distinct seasons – winter, summer, spring, and fall.
- Situation: Positioned between two continents and two bodies of water with varying characteristics, the Iberian Peninsula receives
Earth’s Systems and Landforms
Earth’s Systems
The ground system consists of interrelated subsystems:
- Atmosphere: The gaseous layer surrounding Earth. It contains gases like oxygen, protects us from space radiation, and influences surface changes.
- Hydrosphere: All the water on the planet. Oceans comprise 97% of the total water.
- Biosphere: All living beings, ranging from high altitudes to the deep ocean and underground.
- Geosphere: Earth’s surface and interior. Physical and chemical phenomena release energy, impacting other subsystems.
Ortega y Gasset’s Perspectivism and Ratio-Vitalism
Ortega y Gasset’s The Theme of Our Time
Transition from Perspectivism to Ratio-Vitalism
This chapter discusses José Ortega y Gasset’s The Theme of Our Time, marking the transition from his perspectivism to ratio-vitalism. This shift aimed to transcend rationalism and address the intellectual climate of his era.
Historical Context
Spain’s Decline
The loss of Spain’s American colonies and the Philippines in 1898 profoundly impacted the national consciousness. Intellectuals, including the Generation of
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