Over 7 million years of evolution have led to the most prominent species on the planet, Homo sapiens. Fossil records and studies of morphology, physiology, and embryology have been used to trace human evolution.
We are members of the order Primates and belong to the family Hominidae. Hominids are similar to humans in that they also belong to that order. The ancestors of their descendants evolved and became increasingly distinct as time passed.
It is believed that humanity’s first ancestors came from Africa, eventually migrating to Europe, Asia and the rest of the world.
A Detailed Look at Human Evolution
Our species is classified as Mammalia, a group that is characterized by the presence of mammary glands to nurture our young. Aside from this characteristic, humans share all other characteristics in common with Vertebrates and Chordates. Mammals were first derived from shrews. Ancestors of primates are believed to have descended from tree shrews. This creature had cone-shaped eyes. Monkeys, apes, and man belong to the order primates. Humans were also believed to have come from apes, however, the truth is that humans and apes shared an ancestor that had characteristics of both. The common ancestor of humans was Dryopithecus, which was more like an ape. It was from this common ancestor that humans and apes evolved in different directions.
Classification of Humans
Kingdom – Animalia
Phylum – Chordata
Subphylum – Vertebrata
Class – Mammalia
Order – Primates
Family – Hominidae
Genus – Homo
Species – Sapiens
Process of Human Evolution
In evolutionary processes, a species either becomes adapted to its environment or becomes extinct through a series of changes. Changes in our genetic material are the result of evolution. This process does not affect one organism, but rather the whole class of organisms that belong to the same family.
A Number of Stages Led to the Evolution of Man
Humans descend from it as their earliest ancestors. Africans, Asians and Europeans all possessed one. Through him, mankind evolved. Then there was Australopithecus, followed by Dryopithecus.
They stood 1.2 meters tall and had the ability to walk upright. They lived on the continent of Africa. Their jaws were large and their teeth were human-like.
Their height was five feet and they were able to use tools. Their language is believed to have been spoken.
They were more advanced beings. Their heads were larger and upright as well. They spoke clearly. Fire was invented by them, and they were carnivores.
Modern men are like this. Through the development of tools, omnivores, using tools, and producing art, they gained the power of thinking. They lost roughly 1300 cubic centimeters of brain capacity.
In the past few thousand years, prior to the arrival of Homo sapiens, there were a few other species of hominids besides the modern human species – the Neanderthals, Denisovans, and Homo floresiensis. Rather than treating Neanderthals as separate species, scientists consider them to be subspecies of people.
Difference Between Apes and Man
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Ape |
Man |
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They have long body hair. |
They have short body hair. |
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They used their hands for walking thus were quadrupedal. |
They walk on two legs. Hands are not used for walking. |
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Hands are longer than legs. |
Legs are longer than hands. |
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The U-shaped jaw is present. |
The C-shaped jaw is present |
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Two curves in the vertebral column are present. |
Four curves in the vertebral column are present. |