Write short notes on any two of the following in 250 words each:
i) Hominids
Hominids refer to a biological family of primates that includes modern humans and their extinct ancestors. The term comes from the scientific classification “Hominidae.” This group includes humans, chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans, but in historical and archaeological discussions, the term is often used more narrowly to focus on human ancestors. Hominids are important to the study of human evolution because they represent the transition from primitive ape-like creatures to modern Homo sapiens.
The earliest known hominids lived about 6 to 7 million years ago. One of the best-known early hominids is “Lucy,” a skeleton of Australopithecus afarensis found in Africa. Hominids are known for two major evolutionary traits: bipedalism (walking on two legs) and a larger brain. Over time, hominids developed tools, started to use fire, and formed early social groups. These developments marked the foundation of human civilization.
The study of hominids helps scientists understand how humans evolved physically and mentally. Fossils, cave paintings, and stone tools are some of the materials that help archaeologists trace their journey. Hominids are a key part of our shared history.
ii) Cuneiform Literature
Cuneiform literature is one of the earliest forms of writing and comes from ancient Mesopotamia. The word “cuneiform” means “wedge-shaped,” referring to the marks made by a stylus on clay tablets. This script was used by civilizations such as the Sumerians, Akkadians, Babylonians, and Assyrians. It began around 3000 BCE and was used for many centuries.
Cuneiform was not just used for keeping records; it was also a medium for literature. Some of the oldest stories in the world were written in cuneiform. A famous example is the “Epic of Gilgamesh,” a long poem that tells the story of a hero’s adventures and his quest for immortality. This work explores deep human themes like friendship, loss, and the search for meaning in life.
Other cuneiform texts include myths, prayers, hymns, legal codes (like the Code of Hammurabi), and historical records. These writings give us insight into the beliefs, values, and daily life of ancient people. Cuneiform literature is a valuable source for understanding early human civilization and how writing developed as a way to preserve knowledge across generations.