Explore Science-first Philosophy

FAQ

How many times have human species gone extinct?

Sun 5 May 2024
Published 2 years ago.
Updated 3 months ago.
Ancient Humans
Related FAQs
Is Homo affinis erectus a direct human ancestor?
Did Homo heidelbergensis speak?
Is the 8.7-million-year-old Anadoluvius a human ancestor?
How far back do oral traditions date?
When was the first written language developed?
When were toothpicks invented?
Share :
Email
Print

How many times have human species gone extinct?

The short answer is 15 to 20! That’s up to twenty known chapters of human history that have closed forever. 

When we refer to “human species” going extinct, we’re discussing members of the genus Homo, all the distinct human species that have disappeared since the emergence of Homo habilis about 2.3 million years ago.

Our planet has been a bustling stage of human evolution, where various human species have walked, foraged, and hunted. To date, numerous human species have gone extinct. These include well-known names like Neanderthals and Homo erectus, as well as less famous but equally intriguing ones like Homo habilis, Homo heidelbergensis, and the recently discovered Homo luzonensis.

Each of these species once roamed different parts of our world, adapting to diverse and changing environments but ultimately not surviving to the present day.

— map / TST —

Michael Alan Prestwood
Author & Natural Philosopher
Prestwood writes on science-first philosophy, with particular attention to the convergence of disciplines. Drawing on his TST Framework, his work emphasizes rational inquiry grounded in empirical observation while engaging questions at the edges of established knowledge. With TouchstoneTruth positioned as a living touchstone, this work aims to contribute reliable, evolving analysis in an emerging AI era where the credibility of information is increasingly contested.
This Week @ TST
April 1, 2026
»Column Archive
WWB Research….
1. Story of the Week
The Dawn of Empirical Spirituality
2. Quote of the Week
“It is wrong always, everywhere, and for anyone, to believe anything upon insufficient evidence.”
3. Science FAQ »
Is science tainted by bias?
4. Philosophy FAQ »
How do knowledge frameworks help transform information into wisdom?
5. Critical Thinking FAQ »
Are personal spiritual experiences believable?
6. History FAQ!
Did the Buddha believe in Mount Meru and the six realms of existence?
Bonus Deep-Dive Article
TST Theory of Justification: What to Believe

Comments

Join the Conversation! Currently logged out.
NEW BOOK! NOW AVAILABLE!!

30 Philosophers: A New Look at Timeless Ideas

by Michael Alan Prestwood
The story of the history of our best ideas!
Scroll to Top