The question of who the "first human" was is complex because the term "human" can have different meanings. If we are considering the species that most closely resembles modern humans and has a human-like body, according to available information, Homo erectus fits this description.
Understanding the Criteria for "First Human"
The definition of "human" is not straightforward. If we’re talking about:
- Anatomically modern humans (Homo sapiens): The answer would be our direct ancestors, which emerged much later in human evolution.
- Species with a human-like body: This would point towards Homo erectus, as it was the oldest known species with physical traits similar to humans.
Homo erectus: A Strong Candidate for "First Human-Like" Species
- Physical characteristics: Homo erectus had relatively elongated legs and shorter arms compared to their torso, along with an upright posture. This is a significant departure from earlier hominids and more closely aligns with modern human anatomy.
- Timeline: Homo erectus existed roughly between 1.9 million and 110,000 years ago, which places them as one of the earliest hominins with a very human-like body structure.
- Upright Posture: Homo erectus's ability to walk upright was a pivotal step in our evolutionary history.
Timeline and Key Hominin Species
| Species | Time Period (Approx.) | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Australopithecus | 4 - 2 million years ago | Bipedal but with apelike features |
| Homo habilis | 2.4 - 1.4 million years ago | Increased brain size, used simple tools |
| Homo erectus | 1.9 million - 110,000 years ago | Human-like body proportions, upright posture |
| Homo sapiens | 300,000 years ago - present | Anatomically modern humans |
Conclusion
While Homo sapiens are the anatomically modern humans, Homo erectus represents a key phase in our evolution with a body structure and posture that are quite human-like. Based on the reference information, Homo erectus is the oldest known species with these human-like traits. It is therefore a fitting response to the question of “who was the first human on earth”, if we consider a human-like body to be a key factor.
