Summary
The hominin lineage, from Australopithecus through Homo erectus to Homo sapiens, evolved in Africa.
In depth
Key steps: bipedalism (Sahelanthropus, Australopithecus, about 4 to 7 mya), larger brains and tool use in Homo habilis, fire and migration in Homo erectus, and modern Homo sapiens in Africa about 300,000 years ago. Interbreeding with Neanderthals and Denisovans left DNA in people outside Africa.
Evolution was branching, not a straight line.
Fossils include Ardipithecus (4.4 mya), Lucy the Australopithecus afarensis (3.2 mya), Homo habilis (2.4 mya), Homo erectus (1.9 mya), Neanderthals in Europe and Asia, Denisovans known mostly from DNA and teeth, Homo floresiensis ("hobbit") and Homo naledi in South Africa. Homo sapiens appeared in Africa about 300,000 years ago (Jebel Irhoud) and spread out of Africa starting around 60,000 to 100,000 years ago.
Genomes show interbreeding: non-African people carry 1 to 2 percent Neanderthal DNA, and Melanesians and some Asians about 3 to 5 percent Denisovan DNA. Evolution was not a straight line, but a bushy tree with several species coexisting. Features changed at different rates: bipedalism came first, and brain expansion later.
Common mistake: picturing a march from ape to human; many lineages branched and went extinct.
Frequently asked questions
What is Human Evolution?
The hominin lineage, from Australopithecus through Homo erectus to Homo sapiens, evolved in Africa.
Which area of biology covers Human Evolution, and how advanced is it?
Human Evolution is one of the 53 topics in Evolution. It is rated Intermediate, so it suits learners who already know the core vocabulary. Related topics in this area include Fossils, Maximum Likelihood Phylogenetics, Cambrian Explosion.
Can you give an example of Human Evolution?
The 'Lucy' fossil (3.2 mya) shows upright walking with a small brain.
What should I learn before Human Evolution?
Work through the Beginner topics in Evolution first, such as Evolution, Natural Selection, Charles Darwin, then return to Human Evolution. Intermediate topics assume the Beginner vocabulary.
What topics are related to Human Evolution?
The closest topics to Human Evolution are Fossils, Maximum Likelihood Phylogenetics, Cambrian Explosion, Ancient DNA. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Human Evolution?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Human Evolution. To practise the whole of Evolution, use the Evolution quiz.
How is Human Evolution different from Fossils?
Human Evolution: The hominin lineage, from Australopithecus through Homo erectus to Homo sapiens, evolved in Africa. Fossils: Preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms that record the history of life. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
What is a common mistake about Human Evolution?
Picturing a march from ape to human; many lineages branched and went extinct.
How should I study Human Evolution step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Fossils and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Evolution quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.