Human Evolution: Homo Sapiens and Timeline

• Evolution is a gradual process where animals change over time due to various factors.
• Descendants within a group develop improved fitness for their specific environment.
• Evolution is not linear but complex, with multiple subgroups of a species coexisting.

Homo Sapiens

• "Homo Sapiens" is humanity’s scientific designation, translating from Latin as "Wise Man".
• Numerous human species have existed on Earth, with some overlapping in time.
• Hominids encompass all human species and their closest ape relatives.

Evolution Timeline

• Old World Monkeys and Apes diverged approximately 35 million years ago.
• Humans and chimpanzees shared a last common ancestor around 10-8 million years ago.
• This ancestor likely lived in trees and possibly walked bipedally.
• This ancestor probably lacked tool use and possessed a brain about one-fifth the size of modern humans.
• Proconsul lived 21 million years ago.
• Pierolapithecus lived 12 million years ago.
• Chimpanzees exist in the present.

The Old Guys

• Sahelanthropus tchadensis lived approximately 7–6 million years ago in Africa and may have occasionally walked upright.
• Orrorin tugenensis was discovered in Kenya, lived roughly 6 million years ago and is thought to have walked on two legs.
• Ardipithecus ramidus lived around 4.4 million years ago in present-day Ethiopia, exhibiting traits for both tree climbing and bipedal walking and was approximately 120cm (4 ft) tall.

Australopithecus

• Australopithecus translates to "Southern Ape".
• Australopithecus afarensis existed roughly 3.9–2.9 million years ago.
  • The famous "Lucy" specimen belongs to this species.
  • They walked upright but retained long arms for climbing.
• Australopithecus afarensis brain size was about 1/3 the size of modern humans.
  • Average height for males was 4 ft 11 in (151 cm), and for females, 3 ft 5 in (105 cm).
  • Average weight for males was 92 lbs (42 kg), and for females, 64 lbs (29 kg).
• Australopithecus africanus lived in southern Africa around 3–2 million years ago.
  • More advanced than A. afarensis, with a larger brain and human-like teeth.
  • They stood 4 to 4’6” tall, 66 to 90 lbs.
• Paranthropus boisei existed roughly 2.3–1.2 million years ago.
  • Known for large teeth and strong jaws, adapted for a tough diet.
  • It coexisted with early Homo members but did not evolve into modern humans.

Handy-Man to Our Grandpa

• Homo habilis existed roughly 2.4–1.4 million years ago.
  • Known as "handy man" due to its association with the earliest stone tools.
  • One of the earliest Homo members, with a larger brain than previous species.
  • Average height was 3 ft 4 in - 4 ft 5 in (100 - 135 cm).
  • Average weight was 70 lbs (32 kg).
  • Brain size was about 50% the size of modern humans.
• Homo erectus existed roughly 1.9 million–110,000 years ago.
  • One of the longest-lasting human species, known for fire use and advanced tools.
  • They spread from Africa to Asia and Europe.
  • Height ranged from 4 ft 9 in - 6 ft 1 in (145 - 185 cm).
  • Weight ranged from 88 - 150 lbs (40 - 68 kg).
• Homo heidelbergensis existed roughly 700,000–200,000 years ago.
  • Lived in Africa, Europe, and possibly Asia.
  • Likely an ancestor of both Homo sapiens and Neanderthals.
  • Height ranged from 5’2’’ to 5’10’’.
  • Weight ranged from 90-188 lbs.
  • Brain size was about 90%-95% size of modern humans

Us and our Cousins

• Homo neanderthalensis (Neanderthals) lived roughly 400,000–40,000 years ago in Europe and parts of Asia.
  • Closely related to modern humans and interbred with them.
  • Average height for males was 5 ft 5 in (164 cm); females averaged 5 ft 1 in (155 cm).
  • Average weight for males was 143 lbs (65 kg); females averaged 119 lbs (54 kg).
  • May have had larger brains than modern humans.
• Homo sapiens (Modern humans) have existed from roughly 300,000 years ago to the present.
  • Modern humans belong to this species.
  • Evolved in Africa and spread across the globe.

Tools

• The oldest known tools shaped by human ancestors could be 3.3 million years old, dating back to the time of Homo Habilis.
• Basic stone tools like the hand axe were used for approximately 3.1 million years.
• The industrial revolution displaced tools in some locations.
• The first tools were likely made of stone shaped by chipping off pieces with a harder stone.

Fire

• The exact time humanity mastered fire use is still under debate.
• Evidence suggests humans controlled fire as early as 1.75 million years ago.
• It remains uncertain how regularly fire was used for the next million years.
• From 680,000 to 350,000 years ago, regular burning sites in ancestor dwellings indicate daily fire use, such as for cooking fish.
• Ancestors continually improved their use of fire.
• Better access to cooked food and nutrients contributed to our ancestor’s success.

Explore the evolutionary journey leading to Homo Sapiens. Learn about the timeline of human evolution, from the divergence of Old World Monkeys and Apes to the emergence of our species. Discover key ancestors and the development of human traits.