Human Evolution

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Fossils and other evidence of human habitation provide the data from which the human story is unfolding, with palaeontologists and archaeologists working on each new piece of evidence, and changing the story as they go. The cast of characters includes not only early humans themselves, but also the scientists who, through discovery and debate, piece together the fragments of jig-saw puzzle.

Becoming human

About five to seven million years ago, our ancient ancestors started an evolutionary journey that eventually led to us - modern humans.

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Hominid Skulls

Where do we fit in?

Humans have many unique characteristics but we also share a number of similarities with other animals.

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Hominin tools

Analysing the evidence

Scientists can recover a lot of information about our ancestors from fossils, using modern technology and making comparisons with living animals.

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Human movement around the world

Our earliest ancestors evolved in Africa more than five million years ago. In the last two million years they began to move to other parts of the world.

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Virtual Skulls

Manipulate 360 degree images of skulls and view them from any angle.

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Writing the human story

Uncover the story behind the story - the scientific and historical framework, the brilliance of individuals, the progress of discovery and the impact of technology.

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Are we still evolving?

Identifying the ways in which we may evolve requires an understanding of past changes and also our unique ability to affect the course of our own evolution.