The Importance of Human Evolution

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Introduction
The main purpose of this essay is to critically discuss the importance of an understanding of human evolution and the history of psychology for the modern psychologist. The essay aims to critically discuss the study of human evolution which includes some of the species that evolved over the years before we now have our species, the history of psychology and the different prominent figures that are responsible for psychology being the field it is today. Finally, how an understanding of this can aid a modern psychologist. To conclude, this essay will collate previous research done on human evolution, history of psychology and the importance of this for the modern psychologist.
Human Evolution
Human evolution started with Charles Darwin who thought that humans evolved from apes, he aimed to explain this through his theory of natural selection, genetic variation and ‘survival of the fittest’ (Ruse 2009).Through this insight gave rise to all archaeologists to search in the eastern and western African region to find fossil evidence of these apes or species we have evolved from. Through individual’s hard work and dedication we can now fill in the gaps between the different species and how we have arrived at our modern day selves.
Every story has to have a beginning, middle and an end except, this story is continuing as the field of psychology is becoming more recognised as a distinct science and a force to be reckoned with in the field. The beginning of psychology starts with the evolution of the hominids over 6 million years ago which was the Australopithecines. One of the most iconic of the Australopithecus was named Lucy. She may have evolved from a species known as A. anamnesis. Lucy was able to walk upright on two legs...

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...e 150.Pg. 21–36
Petry N. M., Roll J. M., (2001) A behavioural approach to understanding and treating pathological gambling. Public Health Nursing [Online](6):177-83. Available from < http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11447569 > [Last Accessed 13/03/2014]
Tobias P. V., (1987) ‘The brain of Homo habilis: A new level of organization in cerebral evolution.’ Journal of Human Evolution. Vol. 16, Issues 7–8, Pg. 741–761. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0047248487900224
Trinkaus E. (2006). ‘Modern Human versus Neanderthal evolutionary distinctiveness’. Current Anthropology 47. Pg. 597–620.
Vaesen K., (2014) ‘Chimpocentrism and reconstructions of human evolution (a timely reminder)’. Studies in History and Philosophy of Biological and Biomedical Sciences 45. Pg. 12–21.
Wynn, T. (1979) ‘The intelligence of later Acheulean hominids’. Man 14. Pg. 371–91.

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