1. The genus Homo
Section 32.4

2. Homo habilis
Name means ‘handy man’ – fossil was discovered with tools nearby
Stood about 4 ft tall
Lived in Africa for about 500,000 years and then died out

3. Homo habilis

4. Homo erectus Larger than Homo habilis Many more fossils found
Evolved in Africa and migrated to Asia and Europe
Hunters who used stone and bone tools
Survived about 1 million years
Probably our direct ancestor

5. Homo erectus

6. Homo sapiens Name means ‘wise man’ First in Europe 130,000 years ago
Neanderthals – ‘cavemen’:
short & sturdy with heavy brow ridges
some classify them as a separate species
Modern Homo sapiens:
Replaced Neanderthals about 34,000 years ago
Probably originated in Africa and migrated to other areas
Use tools, symbolic language, abstract reasoning, education and culture

7. Neanderthals

8. Modern Homo sapiens