Genus Homo includes humans and our closest extinct relatives and ancestors. Traits: larger brain, language, symbolic thought as in art, control of fire, advanced tools, and advanced cultural transmission including an ability to adapt to diverse environments, make clothing, and invent social constructs.
Around 700,000 years ago, the development of a human-like hyoid bone suggests early hominins may have begun transitioning from simple vocalizations to more structured speech. This period marks a critical evolutionary point for Homo heidelbergensis, whose anatomical adaptations for speech, coupled with advanced tool use and complex social structures, indicate possible use of rudimentary language. […]
Hyoid Bone: Speach Emerges Read More »
Homo habilis marks an early Philosophy of Mind turning point: intelligence was no longer just reaction, but planning. With toolmaking, foresight, and environmental manipulation, the mind began reaching beyond the present moment into imagined futures.
Homo habilis: Our Intelligence Settles. Read More »
16,000 Generations Ago True symbolic thought emerges before 430,000 BCE: The discovery in 2018 of Neanderthal art dating back to 68,000 years ago, proved symbolic thought in Neanderthals. It also indicates strongly that symbolic thought evolved in or before our common ancestor about 430,000 years ago. This must be true unless either they evolved it
Homo neanderthalensis: Verified True Symbolic Thought Read More »
Humans did not evolve from chimpanzees. Humans, chimpanzees, and bonobos all descend from an earlier African ape whose lineage split around 7.5 million years ago.
Chimpanzees Branch Off (CHLCA) Read More »
12,600 Generations Ago The first humans evolved in Africa about 315,000 BCE. These first humans had most of the traits we identify as human including looking and thinking much as we do. They used brain power, innovation, and teamwork. They spoke and controlled fire. Their lives were complex. Over the next 250,000 years they evolved
Homo Sapiens: Advanced Transcendental Intelligence Read More »
