The 7 Stages Of Human Evolution

How often have you heard that our ancestors were monkeys? However, our ancestors descended from a kind of creature that existed many millions of years ago. Gradually, the present kind of humans came into being. But how did that happen? Let us take the help of this blog and discuss the 7 stages of evolution that have given rise to the current species of humans.

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What Is Evolution?

The first organisms on the Earth were unicellular. They gradually developed and went through several changes resulting in multicellular organisms. These changes occurred in many stages through millions of years. The process through which organisms develop into advanced versions of themselves is known as evolution. It took several million years from the inception of Earth for humans to come into existence as evolved beings of their ancestors.

History Of Evolution

When the ancestors of the current species of humans first came into being, they walked on four limbs. But, at present humans can walk confidently on two limbs. This change occurred as a result of evolutionary changes. It could have been due to extreme climatic changes and a need to survive. Thus, life began on earth with unicellular organisms which have now evolved into the most advanced organisms of Homo Sapiens.

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Darwin’s Theory Of Evolution

According to Darwin’s findings recorded in his book, ‘The Origin of Species’, he explains that species evolve through Natural Selection. He believes that all the organisms that walk the earth have a few common ancestors. Since nature has limited resources and extreme climate changes are common, certain organisms within a particular species learn to adapt better than the rest. Their chances of survival were better than the rest who perished due to their inability to adapt to the dynamic environment. The organisms that survived reproduce and pass on their traits to the progenies making sure that only the fittest generations survive. The acquiring of traits that help different species to survive can be described as evolution. 

What Are The 7 Stages Of Human Evolution?

Humans have also evolved through several stages to reach their current anatomy. Let us discuss in detail the 7 stages of human evolution.

1: Dryopithecus

The Dryopithecus are believed to be the common ancestors of humans as well as apes. They had a more upright posture than apes and were also able to move swiftly through trees. Their fossils have been excavated from China, East Africa, Europe, and India. At the time they existed, these tropical areas were mostly covered in forests. Thus, it is widely believed that the Dryopithecus were herbivores. Modern-day gibbons can offer a faint idea of what the Dryopithecus looked like.

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2: Ramapithecus

The fossils of the Ramapithecus were first excavated in the Shivalik range of Punjab in North India. Later, their remains were also discovered in Saudi Arabia and Africa. A study of their fossils reveals evidence that their tooth enamel was thicker than other specimens of that time. They also had shorter canines and made use of their hands for eating and defending themselves. Moreover, a close inspection of their spine revealed that they had an upright posture. However, modern studies suggest that they are more related to orangutans than humans. Despite this, their studies have facilitated the study of human evolution stages.

3: Australopithecus

A few lime quarry workers in South Africa first discovered a specimen that walked on two legs. This profound discovery in 1924 led to huge accomplishments in the study of human evolution. Named the Australopithecus, they had small-sized brains and were almost 4 feet tall. Most of their physical features were a combination of apes and humans. They are widely believed to have used stones as weapons. 

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4: Homo Habilis

The name of Homo Habilis directly translates to ‘handyman’. They have been so named because discoveries prove that they used to wield stones into convenient designs for weapons. Their brain sizes were also bigger than the Australopithecus which indicates improved cognitive skills. Their fossils were first excavated from Tanzania in 1959 by Louis and Mary Leakey. The Homo Habilis were believed to live in trees and followed an omnivorous diet mostly. Thus, they closely resemble modern humans with their upright posture on two limbs.

5: Homo Erectus

The Homo Erectus were the most advanced species. They not only used exceptionally designed tools and weapons but also discovered the use of fire. Their brain sizes are also bigger and they had shorter hands but longer legs. Their fossils were first discovered in 1891 on Java island in Indonesia. They are believed to be the first species to have migrated from Africa and spread across Eurasia. Several pieces of evidence indicate how the Homo Erectus lived in communities and set out for collective hunting.

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6: Homo Sapiens Neandarthalensis

There are sub-species of modern humans and are commonly termed as Neanderthals. Partial remains of a male Neanderthal skeleton were discovered in the Neander Valley in Germany in 1856. They had robust bodies which could survive extremely cold temperatures. Moreover, they were also adept at making their own weapons and creating symbolic art. Their brain sizes resemble that of modern humans making them our close ancestors.

7: Homo Sapiens Sapiens

The modern man, Homo Sapiens Sapiens, had a rounded skull and their physical features completely resembled the present-day humans. They lived in large communities, made great use of fire, and also travelled large distances by making use of their bipedalism. The age of the Homo Sapiens Sapiens witnessed great advancements in every field such as science, art, and technology. They gave rise to several civilizations around the world.

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Conclusion

Thus, we can say that evolution has caused the first unicellular organisms on Earth to develop into such advanced beings. The seven stages of evolution experienced by humans witnessed many physical as well as behavioural changes. It finally resulted in modern-day human beings.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What are the 7 stages of human evolution in order?

Ans: The 7 stages of human evolution in order are Dryopithecus, Ramapithecus, Australopithecus, Homo Habilis, Homo Erectus, Homo Sapiens Neanderthalensis, and, finally, Homo Sapiens Sapiens.

Q2: What are the different types of evolution?

Ans: The different types of evolution are divergent evolution, convergent evolution, parallel evolution, and coevolution.