Here is a modern Homo sapiens skull. |
Specimens referred to as sapiens have been dated
back to before 400 000 years ago. However, Javan specimens
referred to as erectus have been dated back to 270 000 to 530 000
years. In light of this evidence it has been concluded that multiple
species of hominids have existed contemporaneously.
The process of hominid evolution has been termed
as :"mosaic evolution". This means that different features have evolved
at different rates. From afarensis to africanus to
erectus
features such as teeth, face, pelvis, hands, and feet have evolved progressively
. Brain size has also increased throughout hominid evolution.
This mosaic evolution has manifested itself in the 'fuzziness' of the taxonomic
distinctions made between the different forms. One thing is for certain-
modern humans come form an ape-like ancestor.
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