The Physical Evolution of Humans

HOMINIDS Evolution traces the stages of our species from “humanlike” beings to modern human beings. The first humanlike species were known as hominids. Hominids are distinguished from apes by two major traits: Bipedalism (walking on two feet) Larger brains

Homo Habilis AKA: Handyman The first hominids to develop and use stone tools Flourished about 2.5 million years ago

Homo Erectus Appeared over 2 million years ago Could walk completely upright Survived by hunting wild animals and gathering plants for food Increased skill allowed them to make tools from wood and stone. First species to use fire

Homo Sapiens Means “man who thinks” Formulated language and more sophisticated tools There are two types of Homo Sapiens: Neanderthals Homo Sapiens Sapiens

Neanderthals (type of Homo Sapian) First appeared about 230 000 years ago Formidable hunters and gatherers. Hunted small rhinos, elk, bison and mammoths. Gathered plants, shellfish, and small reptiles for food.

Homo Sapiens Sapiens “Modern Humans” emerged in Europe from Africa approximately 40 thousand years ago. A.K.A. Cro-Magnon people Skills included making cloth, better shelters.

Video- Early Humans