What is human evolution?(3)

Genetic Evolution:

Human evolution also involves changes at the genetic level. Modern genetic studies reveal how populations evolved in response to environmental pressures, such as skin pigmentation for UV protection, lactose tolerance due to dairy consumption, and resistance to certain diseases.

Major Phases of Human Evolution:

Early Hominins (Australopithecus species):

Lived around 4-2 million years ago in Africa; walked on two legs but had smaller brains and primitive tools.

Early Homo Species (e.g., Homo habilis and Homo erectus):

Lived around 2.5 million to 500,000 years ago; they made more advanced tools and had larger brains than their predecessors.

Archaic Humans (Homo neanderthalensis, Homo heidelbergensis):

Lived between 500,000 and 40,000 years ago; they had large brains and made complex tools. Neanderthals are one of the best-known archaic humans and coexisted with early modern humans.

Modern Humans (Homo sapiens):

Appeared around 200,000 years ago in Africa and spread globally, developing complex cultures, agriculture, technology, and civilization.

Human evolution is an ongoing field of study, and new discoveries continue to refine our understanding of how we became who we are today.