Människans Ursprung och Evolution

• The human skeleton is similar to that of apes, featuring long arms and legs with flexible movement.
• Unique human traits include language and the brain's problem-solving capabilities.

Våra förfäder flyttade (Our ancestors moved)

• Over 5 million years ago, a group of human ancestors separated, initiating human evolution and expansion.
• Adaptation to new environments, like transitioning from forests to savannas, led to the development of various human species.
• Homo sapiens is the only surviving species today.

Vår närmsta släkting (Our closest relative)

• Humans and chimpanzees diverged from a common ancestor about 7 million years ago.
• Despite evolutionary differences, human and chimpanzee DNA is 98.5% identical.
• Chimpanzees are humans' closest living relatives.

Fossiler ger oss svaren (Fossils give us the answers)

• Information on human evolution comes from ancient footprints and skeletal remains, known as fossils.
• The oldest human fossils have been found in Africa, suggesting that humans originated there.
• Although direct evidence of earlier human species having fur is lacking, it is believed that most species had hair over their bodies based on knowledge about the environment they lived in.

Olika människoarter (Different human species)

• Homo sapiens is currently the only existing human species, but many other species existed previously.

Australopithecus

• Australopithecus inhabited Africa approximately 3 million years ago.
• They were ape-like but walked upright on two legs.
• They primarily consumed plants, exhibited strong jaws, and were skilled climbers due to their long arms.
• They used basic tools and cooperated in groups to hunt large predators.

Homo habilis

• Homo habilis is considered the first species belonging to the Homo genus, evolving ~2.5 million years ago.
• Fossils indicate the ability to run long distances, manufacture tools, and hunt for food.
• Meat consumption provided increased energy, aiding in brain development.
• At least a dozen human species evolved after Homo habilis.

Homo neanderthalensis

• Neanderthals (Homo neanderthalensis) lived in Europe around 400,000-30,000 years ago.
• They were short with a broad build, possessing a larger brain than modern humans.
• Characteristics included short, sloping foreheads and prominent brow ridges.
• Neanderthals hunted, crafted leather clothing, and buried their dead.
• Coexisting with Homo sapiens, interbreeding occurred.
• Neanderthals became extinct ~30,000 years ago due to climate change and competition with Homo sapiens, partially due to better hunting techniques from Homo sapiens.

Other Information

• DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) contains the genetic information that dictates how an organism is built.
• One illustration shows a child climbing on a tree, with the caption "Vårt skelett påminner om apornas." (Our skeleton is reminiscent of apes.)
• Image of a chimpanzee with the caption "Vilka likheter och skillnader kan du se mellan oss och vår närmsta släkting?" (What similarities and differences can you see between us and our closest relative?)
• Image of a DNA molecule
• A reconstructed skeleton called "Lucy" and real name Australopithecus afarensis found in Ethiopia - "Att gå på två ben gav en bättre utblick över savannen och det blev lättare att bära föremål." (walking on two legs provided a better view of the savannah and made it easier to carry objects).