Evolution of the Genus Homo: From Africa to the World

The Genus *Homo* and Its Species

The genus *Homo* arose 2.5 million years ago in Africa from earlier hominids, *Australopithecus* or *Kenyanthropus*, likely coinciding with the beginning of a long period called the Pleistocene glaciations.

Features Distinguishing *Homo* from Other Primates:

• Upright posture leading to bipedalism.
• A deft hand resulting from standing, with the development of a longer thumb in relation to the hand.
• A large and sophisticated brain.
• The development of acute vision that responds perfectly to the commands of the brain.

These qualities enabled the development of different techniques. Thanks to practical knowledge transmitted culturally, *Homo* species began manufacturing and using increasingly sophisticated and efficient instruments of wood, fiber, bone, and stone.

Early *Homo* Species and the Control of Fire

The first fossils found were of the species *Homo habilis* and *Homo rudolfensis*. Around 1.8 million years ago, *Homo ergaster* emerged in Africa, along with other species such as *Homo erectus* and *Homo antecessor*. The classification, order, and taxonomy of all these species are still debated. It is thought that they discovered and spread the use of fire, implying greater group cooperation, and learned to control it, using it for heat, cooking food, and defense.

Major Migrations of *Homo*

There is agreement among anthropologists that there were three major migrations of *Homo* from Africa: the first around 2 million years ago to Asia and Europe, the second around 600,000 years ago to Europe and the Middle East, and the last around 120,000 years ago. The second migration led to the emergence of *Homo heidelbergensis* and *Homo neanderthalensis*, a fact which coincided with the disappearance of earlier *Homo* species, such as *Homo antecessor*.

*Homo neanderthalensis* and Cultural Development

*Homo neanderthalensis* exhibited significant cultural development. They likely used language to communicate and speak. They were an independent and different species from *Homo sapiens* but shared some anatomical features, such as the skull structure, a larger brain capacity than modern humans, and a descended larynx, allowing them to emit a wider range of sounds. They possessed the Mousterian culture, buried their dead, practiced the cult of the cave bear, and manufactured flake tools, such as those used for cutting animal skins.

The Last Great Migration: *Homo sapiens*

The last great migration was made by *Homo sapiens*. They spread throughout the continents, seizing the bases of support from their more primitive relatives in Europe and Asia in a competitive struggle.