Anatomically modern humans have existed for approximately 300,000 years.
The Emergence of Modern Humans
According to available evidence, Homo sapiens, also known as anatomically modern humans, first appeared roughly 300,000 years ago in Africa. This evolutionary milestone marked the transition from earlier hominin species to the humans we recognize today.
Evolutionary Background
Our species evolved from Homo heidelbergensis or a closely related species. This transition involved physical changes that define anatomically modern humans. Key characteristics include:
- A more slender body build
- A higher, rounded skull
- A prominent chin
Migration and Interbreeding
After their emergence in Africa, modern humans began migrating out of the continent. As they spread across the globe, they encountered and gradually replaced or interbred with other archaic human populations. These populations included:
- Neanderthals in Europe and Asia
- Denisovans in Asia
This migration and interaction led to the distribution of modern humans across various continents and their adaptation to diverse environments.
Timeline Summary
| Timeline | Time Period |
|---|---|
| Emergence of Anatomically Modern Humans | Around 300,000 years ago |
Therefore, based on the information provided, humans, as in anatomically modern humans, are approximately 300,000 years old.
