Contributions of the Evolutionary Theory (Research Paper Sample)

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Contributions of the evolutionary theory and traditions/ myths of origin to the reconstruction of Africa
Two theories, tradition/myths, and evolutionary theory have been put forward to explain the history of human habitation and reconstruction in Africa. Also, they have sought to explore the dynamism relationship between human and the environment. Traditions/myths of origin provide an account of the people regarding their origin through the folklores, stories, and drama. In essence, they try to relate the creation, as well as migration of a certain group people. For instance, creation and migration stories relate to the mythical past and later periods respectively.
In evolutionary theory, Charles Darwin postulated Africa continent as the center of human origin. In addition, some of the paleontological and archeological research in the past supported the evolutionary theory. More specifically, the earliest evidence of the evolved hominids is found in East Africa (Crawford & Benjamin 27).
First, the origin of humanity in Africa reveals that primate evolution began 70 to 80 years ago. In existence, the evidence of the first bipedal hominids 4 million years ago was located in East Africa territory. Notably, the cranial volume of earliest humans was about 400 to 550 cubic centimeters. As time progressed, Homo erectus started spreading to other world regions. At the same time, their increased brain size enabled them to start the production of stone tools. Secondly, the earlier Stone Age period saw the invention of stone tools. Although the first stone tools looked primitive, they proved to be useful (Crawford & Benjamin 27). However, towards the end of the Stone Age period, the art, of making tool, became evident.
During the Middle Stone Age period, tools became more refined in Africa. Some of the developed tools include the spear shaft for construction and effective hunting practice. In addition, they learned the art of natural pigments as well as the controlled use of fire. In the Later Stone Age period, the humans had developed microlithic technology such as the use of bows and arrows for hunting, herding, and gathering for agriculture. Nevertheless, they became naturalistic and stylized their rock art.
Most significant, food production in Africa originated during the Later Stone Period. People started domesticating animals and cultivating plants in specific regions. Some of the efficient tools, sickle blades, and grinding stones, were used to harvest grasses and process grain respectively. During the Iron Age Developments, iron technology set in Africa from the Middle East. It spread and flourished in specific areas of the continent. In the 4th century A.D, Christianity entered in Africa through the Romans. In addition, the Islam mission superseded after Christianity in the 7th century A.D.
Most notable, the evolution of the Egyptian civilization is dated between 5000 and 2000 B.C. It offered significant domesticate as well as agricultural technologies for current models of agricultural origins (Wenke 280). Many researchers argued that communities such as Fayyum and the Merimda Beni Salama had one and the same ancestor with the cradle land of the Northwest Afr...