Human Evolution and Origins

Paleoanthropology is the study of human origins, combining fossil evidence, comparative anatomy, genetics and archaeology to trace how modern humans evolved. It examines the family of hominins — the group that includes modern humans and our extinct close relatives — over a span of millions of years. The evidence shows that humans share a common ancestor with the great apes and that the human lineage diverged in Africa, where the earliest hominin fossils have been found.

A central development in human evolution was walking upright on two legs, which appeared early in the hominin lineage and freed the hands for carrying and tool use. Over time, brain size increased, and members of the genus Homo developed the ability to make and use increasingly sophisticated stone tools. Species such as Homo erectus spread out of Africa into Asia and Europe, while later populations, including the Neanderthals, adapted to varied environments. Modern humans, Homo sapiens, also arose in Africa and eventually dispersed across the globe.

Human behaviour evolved alongside anatomy. The control of fire, the development of language, complex social cooperation, art and eventually settled life mark the emergence of fully modern human culture. Genetic studies now complement fossils, allowing researchers to reconstruct ancient migrations and interbreeding between human groups. Together these lines of evidence build a detailed, though still incomplete, picture of how humanity came to be.

Frequently asked questions

Where did humans first evolve?

The fossil and genetic evidence indicates that the human lineage, including modern Homo sapiens, originated in Africa before spreading to other continents.

What is a hominin?

A hominin is a member of the group that includes modern humans and our extinct bipedal relatives and ancestors, distinct from the other great apes.

What is paleoanthropology?

Paleoanthropology is the study of human evolution, using fossils, anatomy, archaeology and genetics to understand where humans came from.