About one million years ago, the human family was more diverse than today. Multiple species of humans existed, with one key species being Homo heidelbergensis. They looked different from modern humans.
Human Species 1,000,000 Years Ago
The primary human species around one million years ago was Homo heidelbergensis, but there might have been a few other types as well. Homo heidelbergensis had characteristics that were a mix of Homo erectus and modern Homo sapiens. Their anatomy was more primitive than the later Neanderthals.
Characteristics of Homo heidelbergensis:
- Mix of Features: They had a blend of features from both Homo erectus (an earlier human species) and modern humans, indicating an evolutionary transition.
- More Primitive Anatomy: Their physical structure was not as advanced as Neanderthals, who came later. This means they had features such as a more robust skull and brow ridges.
| Feature | Homo heidelbergensis | Modern Humans |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Anatomy | More primitive than Neanderthals | More gracile |
| Brow Ridges | Prominent and heavy | Reduced or absent |
| Skull Shape | Thicker bones, lower forehead, longer skull | Thinner bones, higher forehead, rounder skull |
| Other Features | Mix of Homo erectus and modern human characteristics | Unique features specific to Homo sapiens |
It's important to note that fossil evidence is limited and our understanding of these ancient humans is constantly evolving as new discoveries are made.
