Human Evolution Timeline

What is the approximate duration of human evolution from a common ancestor with other primates?

What characteristic is associated with the emergence of the genus Australopithecus?

What is the timeframe for the emergence of Homo heidelbergensis, a common ancestor of modern humans and Neanderthals?

Which human ancestor was the first to migrate out of Africa?

What was the first species to use tools?

What is a key feature of human evolution that allowed for more efficient locomotion and freed up hands for other tasks?

According to the Out of Africa theory, where did modern humans originate?

What is a benefit of brain expansion in human evolution?

What is the primary difference between the Out of Africa theory and the Multiregional theory?

What is an example of a tool that early humans may have developed as a result of brain expansion?

Human Evolution

Overview

Human evolution is the process of change and development of the human species from a common ancestor with other primates
It spans approximately 6-8 million years, from the emergence of hominins to the present day

Key Milestones

6-8 million years ago: Emergence of hominins, a group of primates that includes humans and their extinct relatives
4-5 million years ago: Emergence of the genus Australopithecus, characterized by bipedalism (walking on two legs)
2.5-3.5 million years ago: Emergence of the genus Homo, characterized by larger brain size and more advanced tools
2.8 million years ago: Emergence of Homo habilis, the first species to use tools
1.8 million years ago: Emergence of Homo erectus, the first human ancestor to migrate out of Africa
500,000 years ago: Emergence of Homo heidelbergensis, a common ancestor of modern humans and Neanderthals
200,000 years ago: Emergence of Homo sapiens (modern humans) in Africa

Key Features of Human Evolution

Bipedalism: Walking on two legs, which allowed for more efficient locomotion and freed up hands for other tasks
Brain expansion: Increase in brain size and complexity, leading to advanced cognitive abilities
Tool use: Development of tools and technology, which allowed for adaptation to different environments
Social organization: Development of complex social structures, including cooperation and language

Theories of Human Evolution

Out of Africa theory: The theory that modern humans originated in Africa and migrated to other parts of the world
Multiregional theory: The theory that modern humans evolved from different archaic human populations in different regions of the world

Explore the key milestones and features of human evolution, from the emergence of hominins to the present day. Discover how humans developed from a common ancestor with other primates, and learn about the theories of human evolution.