Flow Chart: Human Evolution

1. Introduction
- Human evolution is the biological and cultural development of Homo sapiens from their ancestors.
- It is a complex process that spans millions of years and involves various stages of evolution.

2. Early Hominins
- The first hominins emerged in Africa around 6-7 million years ago.
- Key species include Sahelanthropus tchadensis, Orrorin tugenensis, and Ardipithecus ramidus.
- These early hominins had a mix of ape-like and human-like features.

3. Australopithecines
- Australopithecus afarensis, such as the famous fossil "Lucy," lived between 3-4 million years ago.
- They walked upright but still had some arboreal adaptations.
- Australopithecines were the first hominins to show significant brain expansion.

4. Homo habilis
- Homo habilis, meaning "handy man," lived around 2-1.6 million years ago.
- They were the first hominins to use stone tools, indicating increased cognitive abilities.
- Homo habilis had a larger brain than Australopithecines and a more human-like body structure.

5. Homo erectus
- Homo erectus emerged around 2 million years ago and spread throughout Africa, Asia, and Europe.
- They had larger brains and more advanced tool-making skills.
- Homo erectus was the first hominin species to migrate out of Africa.

6. Neanderthals
- Neanderthals lived in Europe and parts of Asia from about 400,000 to 40,000 years ago.
- They had a robust build, large brains, and exhibited complex social behaviors.
- Neanderthals coexisted with early Homo sapiens and interbred with them.

7. Homo sapiens
- Homo sapiens evolved in Africa around 300,000 years ago.
- They had a more gracile body structure, larger brains, and advanced cognitive abilities.
- Homo sapiens gradually spread across the globe and became the only surviving human species.

8. Modern Humans
- Modern humans, anatomically similar to present-day humans, emerged around 200,000 years ago.
- They developed advanced tools, art, language, and complex societies.
- Modern humans continued to evolve biologically and culturally, leading to the diverse populations we see today.

9. Conclusion
- Human evolution is a continuous and ongoing process.
- The flow chart highlights the major milestones and species in our evolutionary journey.
- Understanding human evolution helps us comprehend our place in the natural world and provides insights into our shared ancestry.