"The study of human evolution involves several scientific disciplines, including physical and evolutionary anthropology, paleontology, and genetics."
The study of the genetic and physical changes that have occurred in human populations over time, including the origins of Homo sapiens and the evolution of human traits and behaviors.
Genetics: The study of inherited traits and genetic variation.
Anthropology: The study of human societies, cultures and their development.
Paleontology: The study of fossils and extinct organisms, including humans.
Evolutionary biology: The study of how species change over time.
Archaeology: The study of ancient cultures and societies, including human remains.
Physical anthropology: The study of human biology, anatomy, and adaptation.
Molecular biology: The study of DNA, RNA, and proteins that make up life.
Biochemistry: The study of the chemical processes within living organisms.
Comparative anatomy and physiology: The study of the similarities and differences between living organisms.
Primatology: The study of non-human primates and their behavior.
Human development: The study of the changes and growth that occur from infancy to adulthood.
Human behavior: The study of the actions and interactions of individuals within cultural and social contexts.
Human genetics: The study of genetic variation and heredity in humans.
Linguistics: The study of language and its development across human populations.
Medical science: The study of health, disease, and treatments related to human biology.
Biomedical engineering: The application of engineering principles to medical problems.
Neuroscience: The study of the nervous system and its functions in humans.
Artificial intelligence: The development of computer systems that can perform tasks that typically require human intelligence.
Computer science: The study of computing, coding, and algorithms.
Ethnography: The systematic study of human cultures and societies.
Genetic Drift: Genetic drift occurs when a random mutation occurs in the population that leads to the loss of certain genes or traits over time. This process is more pronounced in small populations that are isolated from the larger population. Genetic drift is a largely random process and can lead to speciation, where new species arise from the gradual accumulation of genetic differences.
Natural Selection: Natural selection is the process by which nature selects the most fit individuals with advantageous traits to survive and reproduce. This can lead to the evolution of new traits or the disappearance of others that are no longer advantageous under selective pressures.
Gene Flow: Gene flow is the transfer of genetic material from one population to another. This can occur through migration, or when two populations come in contact with each other. Gene flow can help to maintain genetic diversity within a species or lead to the evolution of new traits through the introduction of new genes.
Mutation: Mutation is a permanent alteration in the DNA sequence of an organism that occurs due to genetic damage, errors in DNA replication, or exposure to environmental factors such as radiation or chemicals. This can lead to the emergence of new traits or the loss of others that are no longer functional.
Artificial Selection: Artificial selection is the process by which humans selectively breed plants and animals for desirable traits. This can lead to the evolution of new traits or the disappearance of others that are no longer desirable under human selection pressures.
"This process involved the gradual development of traits such as human bipedalism, dexterity and complex language..."
"...indicating that human evolution was not linear but weblike."
"...interbreeding with other hominins (a tribe of the African hominid subfamily)..."
"Primates diverged from other mammals about 85 million years ago (mya)..."
"Their earliest fossils appearing over 55 mya, during the Paleocene."
"Primates produced successive clades leading to the ape superfamily, which gave rise to the hominid and the gibbon families..."
"African and Asian hominids (including orangutans) diverged about 14 mya."
"Hominins (including the Australopithecine and Panina subtribes) parted from the Gorillini tribe (gorillas) between 8–9 mya."
"Australopithecine (including the extinct biped ancestors of humans) separated from the Pan genus (containing chimpanzees and bonobos) 4–7 mya."
"The Homo genus is evidenced by the appearance of H. habilis over 2 mya..."
"Anatomically modern humans emerged in Africa..."
"...approximately 300,000 years ago."
"The study of human evolution involves several scientific disciplines, including physical and evolutionary anthropology, paleontology, and genetics."
"With their earliest fossils appearing over 55 mya, during the Paleocene."
"...parted from the Gorillini tribe (gorillas) between 8–9 mya..."
"The Homo genus is evidenced by the appearance of H. habilis over 2 mya..."
"African and Asian hominids (including orangutans) diverged about 14 mya."
"Australopithecine (including the extinct biped ancestors of humans) separated from the Pan genus (containing chimpanzees and bonobos)..."
"Anatomically modern humans emerged in Africa..."