1. Prehistoric People

2. Prehistoric People
Quick lecture on evolution (12:32)

3. Early human archaeological sites
Early human archaeological sites. Archaeological discoveries have traced the origin of the human species to West Africa. From there early humans migrated to other parts of the world. Evidence shows that by 40,000 B.C. a later and more developed human being lived in Western Europe. The principal archaeological sites in that area are identified by colored dots.

4. The Evolution of the Genus Homo
Over time, our ancient ancestors in the genus Homo develop tools, hunt, utilize fire, and cook. The final piece of the puzzle, speech, transforms our distant relatives into modern Homo sapiens.
Evolution of the genus homo

5. Homo naledi South Africa Newest discovery of the homo genus
Where Lived: Eastern and Southern Africa
The species is characterized by a body mass and stature similar to small-bodied human populations, a smaller endo-cranial volume similar to Australopithecus, and a skull shape similar to early Homo species. The skeletal anatomy combines primitive features known from australopithecines with features known from early hominids. The fossils have not yet been dated.

6. Homo habilis Kenya, Tanzania Nickname: Handy Man
Where Lived: Eastern and Southern Africa
When Lived: 2.4 million to 1.4 million years ago
This species, one of the earliest members of the genus Homo, has a slightly larger braincase and smaller face and teeth than in Australopithecus or older homind species. But it still retains some ape-like features.

7. Republic of Georgia, Kenya
Homo erectus
Republic of Georgia, Kenya
Where Lived: Northern, Eastern, and Southern Africa; Western Asia (Dmanisi, Republic of Georgia); East Asia (China and Indonesia)
When Lived: Between about 1.89 million and 143,000 years ago
Early African Homo erectus fossils are the oldest known early humans to have possessed modern human-like body proportions with relatively elongated legs and shorter arms compared to the size of the torso.
the Homo erectus (2:09)

8. Homo floresiensis: The Hobbit
Asia (Indonesia)
Nicknamed: The Hobbit
When Lived: About 95,000 – 17,000 years ago
Remains of the most recently discovered early human species, Homo floresiensis (nicknamed ‘Hobbit’), have been found between 95,000 and 17,000 years ago on the Island of Flores, Indonesia. H. floresiensis individuals stood approximately 3 feet 6 inches tall, had tiny brains, large teeth for their small size, shrugged-forward shoulders, no chins, receding foreheads, and relatively large feet due to their short legs.
Homo floresiensis: The Hobbit

9. Germany, France, Greece, Zambia
Homo heidelbergensis
Germany, France, Greece, Zambia
Where Lived: Europe; possibly Asia (China); Africa (eastern and southern)
When Lived: About 700,000 to 200,000 years ago
This early human species had a very large browridge, and a larger braincase and flatter face than older early human species. It was first early human species to live in colder climates; their ­­­short, wide bodies were likely an adaptation to conserving heat.
Walking with Cavemen

10. Homo heidelbergensis
Neanderthals DNA in humans today

11. Homo neanderthalensis
Israel, Belgium, Iraq, France
Nickname: Neanderthal
Where Lived: Europe and southwestern to central Asia
When Lived: About 200, ,000 years ago
Neanderthals are our closest extinct human relative. Some defining features of their skulls include the large middle part of the face, angled cheek bones, and a huge nose for humidifying and warming cold, dry air. Their bodies were shorter and stockier than ours, another adaptation to living in cold environments.
Lifestyles of Neanderthals

12. Northern Africa, Southern Asia, Europe
Homo sapiens
Northern Africa, Southern Asia, Europe
Where Lived: Evolved in Africa, now worldwide
When Lived: About 200,000 years ago to present
The species that you and all other living human beings on this planet belong to is Homo sapiens. During a time of dramatic climate change 200,000 years ago, Homo sapiens evolved in Africa.