Modern humans belong to the species Homo sapiens, which first emerged at least 300,000 years ago, but possibly as far back as 1 million years ago. And our history goes back much further: the first members of the Homo genus emerged nearly 3 million years ago in Africa.
As technology advances, scientists have been able to piece together how early modern humans arose and migrated around the world, sometimes breeding with close human relatives, such as the Neanderthals and Denisovans.
Even today, humans are still evolving, including in Nepal, where people who have adapted to live in the low-oxygen conditions at high altitudes tend to have more children than those who haven't. Humans may also be evolving through our culture, an idea that learned behaviors we pass on are the "mutations" that can aid survival. Read on to learn more about humans evolved in the past — and continue to do so.
Discover more about human evolution
—Human evolution: Facts about the past 300,000 years of Homo sapiens
—Our mixed-up human family: 8 human relatives that went extinct (and 1 that didn't)
Latest about Human Evolution
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A Neanderthal variant in an enzyme involved in energy production has been linked to a 50% lower probability of achieving elite athletic performance.
140,000-year-old child's skull may have been part modern human, part Neanderthal — but not everyone is convinced
A child buried in the world's oldest human cemetery had both modern human (Homo sapiens) and Neanderthal characteristics, suggesting she was a hybrid, according to a new study. However, not everyone is convinced the study's findings are definitive.
Stunning facial reconstructions of 'hobbit,' Neanderthal and Homo erectus bring human relatives to life
A new documentary brings early human history to life with a "scientifically accurate" collection of hyper-real 3D models.
Oldest wooden tools unearthed in East Asia show that ancient humans made planned trips to dig up edible plants
The 300,000 year-old tools show that hominins in East Asia made planned foraging trips to lakeshores and designed instruments for specific purposes.
Neanderthal DNA may refute 65,000-year-old date for human occupation in Australia, but not all experts are convinced
A new DNA model suggests humans didn't reach Australia until 50,000 years ago, but archaeological data disagrees.
125,000-year-old 'fat factory' run by Neanderthals discovered in Germany
An analysis of ancient animal bones found in Germany suggests that Neanderthals extracted grease from them to gobble up 125,000 years ago.
Science news this week: 'Dragon Man's' identity and the universe's 'missing matter'
Science news this week June 21, 2025: Our weekly roundup of the latest science in the news, as well as a few fascinating articles to keep you entertained over the weekend.
Who were the Denisovans, archaic humans who lived in Asia and went extinct around 30,000 years ago?
Who were the Denisovans, close human relatives who lived in Asia and mated with Homo sapiens?
