Human Evolution Archives

22 Jul 24

When We First Made Tools

When We First Made Tools The creation and use of tools represent a major milestone in human evolution. Tools allowed early humans to perform tasks that would have been impossible otherwise, marking a significant step towards becoming the intelligent, resourceful species we are today. Understanding when we first made tools provides insight into the development […]

22 Jul 24

When We Took Over the World

The Beginnings of Human Expansion The story of human dominance begins in Africa around 200,000 years ago, where Homo sapiens first emerged. For thousands of years, early humans lived as hunter-gatherers, forming small, mobile groups that traveled in search of food and resources. Around 60,000 years ago, a major migration out of Africa began, marking […]

22 Jul 24

When We Met Other Human Species

The Journey Out of Human The history of human evolution is a fascinating narrative filled with migrations, adaptations, and encounters. Among the most intriguing chapters are the times when Homo sapiens met other human species. These encounters were not just about coexistence or competition; they were moments of significant exchange that helped shape the course […]

22 Jul 24

The Genes We Lost Along the Way

The Role of Genes in Evolution Throughout the course of human evolution, our species has undergone numerous genetic changes that have shaped who we are today. Understanding these lost genes can provide us with insights into how humans have adapted to different environments and challenges over time. Genes play a crucial role in evolution by […]

22 Jul 24

Why Did Two Sexes Evolve?

Why Did Two Sexes Evolve? Exploring the Evolutionary Origins of Sexual Reproduction The evolution of two distinct sexes—male and female—is one of the most intriguing aspects of biology. While asexual reproduction is simpler and requires only one organism, the complexity of sexual reproduction raises a fundamental question: why did two sexes evolve? In this article, […]

17 Jul 24

How did teeth evolve? – Peter S. Ungar

How did teeth evolve? Teeth evolved as a crucial adaptation for the survival and diversification of vertebrates. The evolutionary journey of teeth began over 500 million years ago, with the emergence of jawless fish during the Cambrian period. The first “teeth” likely originated as hard, tooth-like structures called “odontodes” on the skin of these primitive […]

15 Jul 24

When Did We Stop Being Naked?

When Did We Stop Being Naked? The transition from being nude to clothed was not just a matter of survival but a pivotal moment in human history that reflects our ability to adapt, innovate, and express our cultural identity. While the exact timeline is debated, clothing remains one of the most defining features of human […]

15 Jul 24

When We First Talked

When We First Talked The origins of first talk and language are among the most intriguing and complex questions in the study of human evolution. While it’s challenging to pinpoint exactly when our ancestors first talked, the development of language is believed to have occurred gradually, intertwined with the evolution of the human brain, social […]

13 Jul 24

How Humans Lost Their Fur

How Humans Lost Their Fur Humans lost their fur, or dense body hair, over millions of years of evolution, a process influenced by environmental changes, survival strategies, and genetic factors. While the exact reasons remain a topic of scientific debate, several theories explain how and why humans evolved to have relatively hairless skin compared to […]

09 Jul 24

How Humans Became (Mostly) Right-Handed

How Humans Became (Mostly) Right-Handed Humans are predominantly right-handed, with approximately 90% of the population favouring their right hand for tasks. This widespread right-handedness is the result of a complex interplay of genetic, neurological, evolutionary, and cultural factors that have shaped human behaviour over millennia. Genetic Influences of Right-handed Genetics play a significant role in […]