The Great Leap Forward: Complex Societies

      Sometime around 35 000 years ago, a process of monumental significance began. Some scientists have called this process "The Great Leap Forward." Two fundamental changes occurred: the development of modern anatomy, and the beginning of innovative behavior.
      After millions of years during which the changes in hominids were imperceptibly slow, changes began to occur that would clearly set humans apart from all other animals. Humankind experienced a burst of innovation and creativity. The achievements of humanity in the past 35 000 years are astounding, especially when we consider that in the previous 60 000 years, Neanderthal culture had remained virtually unchanged.
      the curiosity, ingenuity, and creativity of Homo sapiens sapiens produced a vast array of crafted materials. Tools were made of thin stone blades struck from larger stones, and some were mounted on wooden shafts to make spears. Most tools of Homo sapiens had a specific purpose: there were needles and awls for making clothing, mortars and pestles for preparing food, and axes fro cutting wood. Eventually, more sophisticated weapons were developed, such as barbed harpoons, darts, spear throwers, and bows and arrow.s The development of these more advanced weapons allowed hunting large and powerful animals such as wild pigs, reindeer, horses, and bison. Watercraft may also have appeared, since places such as Australia were settled for the first time. Perhaps even more significant than the advances in tools and weapons was the development of trade and aesthetic appreciation. The long-distance trade that developed was not only for raw materials,but also for ornaments. Aside from the crafted objects of personal adornment, sculpture and painting began to appear as well. For the first time in history, there is evidence of an appreciation of beauty. Modern humanity had arrived.

Questions & Answers:

Q1. What evidence suggests that the Neanderthals and Homo sapiens sapiens were not the same people?

Neanderthals and Homo sapiens sapiens weren't the same because of their differences such as the pregnancy cycle, origins, inventions, physical appearances, etc. especially the innovative behaviors.

Q2. Describe how a Neanderthal would look compared with modern humans. 

Neanderthal was much physically developed than the modern human so they had closer form to an animal than the human.

Q3. Why was innovative behavior important to the development of early human societies?

The innovative behavior of the modern human was important because it means that there will be a huge range of developments, or even improvements by thinking differently. They will soon be able to form a society that we know today and build up from there. It was the key to survive.

Writing: ECHOES from the Past published by McGraw-Hill Ryderson Ltd.