100,000 years ago, humans were very similar to us physically and genetically, though their lives differed significantly.
Physical and Genetic Similarities
- Nearly Identical: According to available information, individuals living 100,000 years ago were physically and genetically very much like modern humans. This means they had similar skeletal structures, brain sizes, and overall biological makeup.
- Evolutionary Stage: They were well within the Homo sapiens species, meaning their basic biology was largely the same as ours today.
Cultural and Social Differences
- Simple Living: They lived in smaller family groups, typically bands. This is different from the large-scale societies and communities we have today.
- Basic Culture: Their culture was far simpler than any human culture of today. This would have meant tools, language, social structure and customs that were more rudimentary.
- Limited Technology: They used tools made of stone and wood, and their technology was far less advanced than our modern tools.
- Hunting and Gathering: Their daily life revolved around hunting animals and gathering plants, requiring daily survival tasks that are less typical in the modern human experience.
Summary
The following table encapsulates the key differences and similarities of humans from 100,000 years ago compared to modern humans.
| Aspect | Humans 100,000 Years Ago | Modern Humans |
|---|---|---|
| Physical | Very similar to modern humans | Physically similar |
| Genetic | Very similar to modern humans | Genetically similar |
| Social Structure | Lived in small family bands | Larger, complex societies |
| Culture | Simpler, more rudimentary | More complex and diverse |
| Technology | Basic stone and wood tools | Advanced technology |
| Lifestyle | Hunting and gathering | Varied lifestyles |
In essence, humans 100,000 years ago were biologically very similar to us, but lived a simpler, less technologically driven lifestyle within a smaller family-based social structure.
