Introduction to Human Evolution

Over 7 million years of evolution have led to the most prominent species on the planet,
Homo sapiens. Fossil records and studies of morphology, physiology, and embryology
have been used to trace human evolution.

We are members of the order Primates and belong to the family Hominidae. Hominids
are similar to humans in that they also belong to that order. The ancestors of their
descendants evolved and became increasingly distinct as time passed.

It is believed that humanity's first ancestors came from Africa, eventually migrating to
Europe, Asia and the rest of the world.
A Detailed Look at Human Evolution
Our species is classified as Mammalia, a group that is characterized by the presence of
mammary glands to nurture our young. Aside from this characteristic, humans share all
other characteristics in common with Vertebrates and Chordates. Mammals were first
derived from shrews. Ancestors of primates are believed to have descended from tree
shrews. This creature had cone-shaped eyes. Monkeys, apes, and man belong to the order
primates. Humans were also believed to have come from apes, however, the truth is that
humans and apes shared an ancestor that had characteristics of both. The common
ancestor of humans was Dryopithecus, which was more like an ape. It was from this
common ancestor that humans and apes evolved in different directions.
Classification of Humans
Kingdom - Animalia
Phylum - Chordata
Subphylum - Vertebrata
Class - Mammalia
Order - Primates
Family - Hominidae
Genus - Homo
Species - Sapiens