Fossils And Genetic Evidence Of Human Evolution In Africa

The process by which humans originated from apelike ancestors are known to be called human evolution. Evolution occurs when there is a change in DNA. Over the years, human evolution has been a big question of our society. Evolution doesn’t just happen to a single individual; it happens to population over a long period of time. (Potts, 2016) C. Loring Brace and Milford Wolpoff hypothesized that only one species existed earlier in life, that were not yet homo sapiens (Lewin, 1984), which brings about the question: how did we change into such creatures overtime? Fossils and genetic evidence showed proof that millions of years ago, human evolution formed in Africa. There we discovered the birth of our first ancestors. Early primates left Africa

Vast majority of researchers today acknowledge the fundamentals of evolution; however, they all have differing views on how development actually occurred. Despite the fact that similarities amongst man and other animal structures were found by Linnaeus, the three main theories came about. These theories include: Darwinism,

Lamarckism, and Synthetic theory. Charles Darwin theory of Natural selection (survival of the fittest), describes how a species can accumulate changes and adapt to an environment, and also pass traits onto its offspring. Lamarckism states that characteristics can be passed on to its offspring; whereas the Synthetic theory includes variations or transformations of genetic information. Even though many people stand with the belief of human evolution, some people do not, due to the fact that the bible denies this theory by stating that God created all organisms in their present form. Research studies shows that Reverend Samuel Wilberforce agreed with the works of the bible, that life had no explanation. (Regal, 2004) On the contrast, Charles Darwin was a naturalist, whom contributed a lot into the science of evolution. Darwin allegedly claimed that species were not just created by God, they were made naturally. (Sulloway, 2005) In his book, The Origin of Species, Natural selection and variation explains his concept of

Human evolution was also shaped by the changes of the climate. When East Africa began to dry out, this drove homo sapiens to travel on their two legs. The theory of climate change affecting human evolution rests on paleoanthropologist, Rick Potts. (Slezak, 2015) Some homo sapiens adapted to cold weather and some adapted to hot. Homo neanderthalensis, nicknamed Neanderthals, are primates that associate to modern humans. These species were extinct around 40,000 years ago. In contrast to modern day humans, they were shorter and a bit heavier built, which made it easier for them to adapt to cold weather.