Grade 7- Factors proving that Africa is the Cradle of Humankind

1. African Savannas were ideal for primates.

2. The moist, warm and varied climate supported animal and plant life.

3. Archaeological sites were discovered in the Great Lakes region of eastern Africa and along the Great Rift Valley. This confirms that hominids were living in this region by the time the rift valley was being formed.

4. The earliest apes and various animals may have first lived around what is now Lake Victoria and the rift valley, then some went northwards into Europe and Asia. This was because, at that time, areas along the Equator (especially central and west Africa) were covered in thick forest. Around the Great lakes of East Africa was the Savannah (grassland with scattered trees and bushes). It was in this environment that man had his first home.

5. Due to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions during the formation of the great rift valley, allot of dust was brought up, which covered places where hominids had left their weapons, tools, their own bones, and those of other animals. These became archaeological sites in east Africa

6. Remains found in Africa especially Eastern Africa are evidence that Africa is the cradle of mankind.