The journey of human ancestors in prehistoric times is a story of millions of years, containing great strides in the process of evolution. From the first life forms to the appearance of modern humans, this process is not only an adaptation to the environment but also a great development of intelligence and culture.
This process began about 7 million years ago, when the common ancestor of humans and chimpanzees lived in the African region. The first species of the genus Australopithecus, such as Australopithecus afarensis, appeared about 4 million years ago. These were creatures with an upright gait, which helped them to observe and move easily on the vast grasslands. The famous fossil footprint discovered in Laetoli, Tanzania, is a testament to this important evolution.
About 2.5 million years ago, Homo habilis appeared, considered the first species in the genus Homo. They began to use stone tools to hunt and prepare food, a major step forward in the development of intelligence and creativity. The appearance of these tools marked the beginning of the Paleolithic period, the period when prehistoric humans began to demonstrate higher thinking and survival skills.
This was followed by the appearance of Homo erectus, about 1.8 million years ago. This species not only knew how to use tools but also knew how to control fire, a key factor that helped them survive in harsh conditions and expand their territory beyond Africa. Homo erectus was also the first species to leave Africa, migrating to Asia and Europe, marking a major step forward in the dispersal and adaptation of humans.
About 300,000 years ago, Homo sapiens – the direct ancestors of modern humans – began to appear. Homo sapiens evolved with superior intelligence, language skills, and artistic creativity. They built complex social communities, became more efficient hunters, and began to develop early forms of culture such as cave art and religious beliefs.
Interaction and competition with other human species, such as Neanderthals in Europe and Denisovans in Asia, spurred the evolution and development of Homo sapiens. About 40,000 years ago, Homo sapiens completely replaced other human species, becoming the only species that survives today.
The evolution of our prehistoric human ancestors is a challenging but also extremely great journey. From simple creatures, over millions of years of evolution, humans have developed into a highly intelligent and cultural species, capable of changing the world around them. This journey is not only a story of survival but also a testament to humanity’s ability to overcome all difficulties in the journey of evolution and development.
