Origin and Evolution of Man: Modern humans originated in Africa within the past 200,000 years and evolved from their most likely recent common ancestor, Homo erectus, which means ‘upright man’ in Latin. Homo erectus is an extinct species of human that lived between 1.9 million and 135,000 years ago.

The evolution process involves a series of changes that cause the species to either adapt to the environment or become extinct. Evolution is the result of changes in the genetic material of humans. It does not change a single organism, but the entire group of organisms belonging to the same species.

Man originated through several stages:

• Dryopethicus: It is the earliest known ancestor of man. They were found in some parts of Africa, Asia and Europe. The evolution of man began with him. Dryopethicus was followed by Australopithecus.
• Australopithecus: These were 1.2 metres tall and could walk upright. They inhabited the African mainland. They had large jaws and human-like teeth.
• Homo habilis: They were five feet tall and could make use of tools. They are believed to have been able to speak.
• Homo erectus: They were more evolved beings. They were also upright and had a larger brain size. They had a prominent speech. They invented fire and were carnivorous.
• Homo sapiens: These are modern men. They developed the power of thinking, used tools, were omnivorous and produced art. Their brain size was reduced to 1300 cc.

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By Team Learning Mantras