Pre-hominid human evolution all the way back to LUCA.
When Homo sapiens first emerged, their population in Africa was likely just a few hundred thousand, while the total hominin population, including other species like Neanderthals and Homo heidelbergensis, may have ranged from 1.1 to 2.1 million. During this period, Homo sapiens were primarily found in Africa, while other hominins occupied broader ranges across Eurasia, […]
Hominin World Population: 2 Million (maybe) Read More »
Cognitive Revolution By 70,000 BCE. Population range: 500,000 to 2.5 million. Given the uncertainties and lack of direct data, the following are speculative estimates. Africa-Middle East: 50-60% or 600,000 to 1 million people Africa, being the origin of modern humans, likely had the highest population density at this time, particularly in Sub-Saharan regions which were
World Population: 1.5 Million Read More »
Earliest known agrarian society in the Americas zone: In Oaxaca, Mexico, the site of Guilá Naquitz provides evidence of early plant domestication, particularly of squash, around 8000 BCE, with subsequent developments including maize and beans. Imagined Image: An early agrarian society of Oaxaca, Mexico, circa 7900 BCE. It showcases small, temporary shelters, with indigenous people
Mexico: Guilá Naquitz (Agrarian) Read More »
Deep orange or reddish-brown atmosphere: The second atmosphere’s formation was crucial and occurred just before or alongside the formation of Earth’s oceans, which directly supported the evolution of organic molecules and prebiotic microenvironments. The second atmosphere began to develop around 4.5 to 4 billion years ago, as volcanic outgassing released gases trapped in the Earth’s
Second Atmosphere: Carbon Dioxide & Nitrogen Read More »
Likely white or grayish atmosphere: The first atmosphere developed first but was not directly involved in the development of life. The first atmosphere formed shortly after Earth’s formation around 4.5 billion years ago. This initial atmosphere was primarily composed of hydrogen and helium, the lightest and most abundant elements in the universe, which were captured from
First Atmosphere: Hydrogen & Helium Read More »
As the Earth cooled following its formation, outgassing from volcanic activity released water vapor and other gases into the atmosphere. When the Earth’s surface cooled sufficiently, this water vapor condensed and fell as rain, filling the basins that would become oceans.
First Oceans: Fresh Water Read More »
The feature of the epicanthic fold, particularly prevalent among East Asian populations descended from Haplogroup A, is an adaptation to cold, windy, and bright environments encountered as humans migrated northward from Africa. This phenotype likely developed to protect the eyes from frostbite and snow blindness, showcasing how genetic diversity within human lineages adapted to specific
Phenotype Variation: Eye Shape and the Epicanthic Fold Read More »
As dairy farming became prevalent, particularly in Europe and some African communities, natural selection favored individuals who could digest lactose into adulthood. This genetic adaptation, known as lactase persistence, is a direct result of human cultural practices (dairying) and has had significant dietary implications.
Phenotype Variation: Lactose Tollerance Read More »
Skin color diversity is far older than humanity. Across many animals, pigmentation varied by species, population, body region, environment, and evolutionary history.
Skin Color Diversity Across and within Primate Species Read More »
Blood type variations originated from common primate ancestors around 20 million years ago. While blood transfusions between species, such as between apes and humans, are not viable due to different and incompatible blood antigens, the development of blood type systems, including types similar to the human A, B, AB, and O, can be traced back
Emergence of Blood Type Variability in Primates Read More »
Homo heidelbergensis was the likely neanderthal-sapiens last common ancestor.
Homo heidelbergensis Read More »
In early great apes like Dryopithecus, young apes learned survival behaviors by watching parents and group members. That’s cultural transmission. the passing of useful information.
Genus Dryopithecus: Cultural Transmission Emerges Read More »
Blue eyes emerging stands out as a striking example of a genetic mutation that spread across populations. Traced back to a single individual living between 6,000 and 8,000 BCE in the region near the Black Sea. The mutation involved is a specific change in the OCA2 gene, which alters the way melanin is produced in
Phenotype Variation: Blue Eyes Read More »
18 Generations Ago 30 Phil, Chapter 20: Francis Bacon and the Scientific Method Francis Bacon was born on January 22, 1561, in London to a prominent and influential family. The young Francis Bacon received a comprehensive education, attending the prestigious Trinity College, Cambridge, at the age of 12. Bacon is the Father of the Scientific
The synthesis of simple organic molecules such as formaldehyde (H₂CO), methanol (CH₃OH), and simple hydrocarbons in the dense molecular clouds of the interstellar medium occured once sufficient carbon was present. This process has been ongoing for billions of years but became more prevalent as the universe aged and more carbon became available. Big History Thresholds:
Interstellar Clouds: Organic Molecules Read More »
The chemical evolution from inorganic precursors to organic molecules is a fascinating story of transformation driven by Earth’s dynamic early conditions and possibly assisted by the input from space in the form of meteorites rich in organic compounds. During this period, the Earth witnessed a series of complex chemical reactions facilitated by its primordial atmosphere,
Inorganic Precursors to Organic Molecules Read More »
Found in Morocco, this natural pebble with human-like features is possibly the oldest known example of a figurine or representation of the human form.
Earliest known symbol use in the Africa/Middle East zone. Located in South Africa, the cave contains engraved ochre pieces, which are among the earliest known forms of abstract art.
Blombos Cave Engravings Read More »
Found in central India, these cupules (circular hollows on rock surfaces) are among the earliest known forms of rock art. They were likely created by a species like Homo erectus or Homo heidelbergensis and not Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens are not known to be in India until around 40,000 years ago. Homo erectus is known
Bhimbetka Petroglyphs, Cupules Read More »
By about 375 million years ago, several animal lineages had evolved long-term memory to navigate a changing world, remembering feeding sites, water access, and safe routes between land and water. This likely included vertebrates like Tiktaalik.
Long-Term Memory Evolves: Tiktaalik Read More »
