Human Evolution

Human Evolution

Human Evolution, the biological and cultural development of the species Homo
sapiens, or human beings. A large number of fossil bones and teeth have been
found at various places throughout Africa, Europe, and Asia. Tools of stone,
bone, and wood, as well as fire hearths, campsites, and burials, also have been
discovered and excavated. As a result of these discoveries, a picture of human
evolution during the past 4 to 5 million years has emerged.

Human Physical Traits Humans are classified in the mammalian order Primates;
within this order, humans, along with our extinct close ancestors, and our
nearest living relatives, the African apes, are sometimes placed together in the
family Hominidae because of genetic similarities, although classification
systems more commonly still place great apes in a separate family, Pongidae. If
the single grouping, Hominidae, is used, the separate human line in the hominid
family is distinguished by being placed in a subfamily, Homininae, whose members
are then called hominines—the practice that is followed in this article. An
examination of the fossil record of the hominines reveals several biological and
behavioral trends characteristic of the hominine subfamily.

Bipedalism Two-legged walking, or bipedalism, seems to be one of the earliest of
the major hominine characteristics to have evolved. This form of locomotion led
to a number of skeletal modifications in the lower spinal column, pelvis, and
legs...

Human Evolution

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