human evolution facts

human evolution

The process by which human beings developed on Earth from now-extinct primates

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We didn’t evolve from apes

You are actually less than half human

Contrary to the popularised image of mankind ‘arising’ from apes, modern humans – Homo sapiens – did not evolve directly from the apes alive today, but rather we share a common ancestor. Our evolutionary paths diverged from those of chimpanzees and gorillas about six million years ago.

About 43%, to be precise. This much of your body is made up of human cells, while the rest is a mix of bacteria, viruses and fungi that combine to make your microbiome.

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Different Looks

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60,000 years ago, as humans moved away from Africa and the Equator, we developed variations in skin tone (lighter skin absorbs more vitamin D), hair texture, and facial features.

Big Bones

Early humans had thick bones to deal with harsh climates. Starting 50,000 years ago, our bones became smaller and weaker as we began to live less physically demanding lifestyles.

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No Brain Drain

Let There Be Art

Brain size has tripled over the course of human evolution. It’s possibly the single-greatest reason we’ve been able to survive as a species— let alone dominate the planet to such an insane degree. After all, we’ve got no claws, teeth, or thick, blubbery skin to help us along.

17,000 years ago, humans had already developed all the tools and skills necessary for ceramics, painting, and sculpting. And based on the archaeological sites that researchers have turned up, we immediately set about using those new skills to make a variety of pots, bowls, and other fancy things.

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