Anthropology, the science that studies the human being in an integral way, shows us that our species is the result of millions of years of evolution. Through fossils and the comparative study of species, it has been possible to classify the different types of hominids Based on their abilities, physical characteristics, and behaviors, this is crucial for understanding our own evolution. Over the years, numerous scientific studies have identified various hominid species, some extinct and others still in existence. These discoveries have helped us better understand how humanity developed and how we became the dominant species on the planet. Below, we explore in detail the main types of hominids and their characteristics.
What are hominids?
Hominids are a family of primates, scientifically known as hominidae, which is characterized by walking on two limbs, having more advanced cognitive abilities compared to other primates and having larger brains. This family includes modern humans (Homo sapiensHominids are descended from our direct ancestors, some of whom are now extinct. Furthermore, hominids also include certain great apes such as gorillas, chimpanzees, and orangutans, demonstrating that we are not the only species within this broad family. This category is essential for studying human evolution, as it allows us to observe how different human ancestors developed specific skills to survive in diverse environments, adopting more complex ways of life, such as toolmaking and fire control.
Types of hominids
1. Homo habilis
El homo habilisHomo sapiens, meaning «skillful man,» is one of the earliest major representatives of human evolution. They lived over 2 million years ago in Africa and are considered to be the first hominids to begin using tools. stone toolsThese rudimentary tools allowed them to hunt small animals, gather food, and defend themselves against potential predators. homo habilis, compared to its predecessors, such as the australopithecus, had a larger brain, with a volume of approximately 510 to 600 cm³, which gave them an advantage in terms of reasoning and motor skills. It is also interesting to note that although they did not master language as we know it today, they probably had some basic form of verbal communication.
2. Homo erectus
El Homo erectusHomo sapiens, whose name means «upright man,» is known for being one of the first hominids to leave Africa. It is estimated to have lived between 1,8 million and 150.000 years ago and was the first hominid species to develop a body adapted to upright posture. walk upright for an extended period. It possessed a more robust bone structure and a larger brain compared to its predecessors, reaching between 600 and 1.100 cm³, which allowed it to improve its social behavior and its ability to use more complex tools. One of its greatest contributions was the fire controlThis not only allowed them to cook food, but also to defend themselves against the cold and predators. This important milestone in human evolution was key to the survival and spread of this species. The fossils found show that the Homo erectus migrated through Asia and Europe, which shows its ability to adapt to different environments. In addition, it is believed that this species was the first to use a more structured language to communicate.
3. Homo sapiens
El Homo sapiensHomo sapiens, which literally means «man who knows» or «wise man,» is the species to which modern humans belong. It appeared approximately 300.000 years ago in Africa and is the only hominid that has managed to survive to the present day. Unlike other hominid species, the Homo sapiens Humanity has demonstrated a unique ability to modify and control its environment through the development of advanced and complex technologies, as well as culture and art. Homo sapiens It has a brain capacity of approximately 1.350 cm³, which allowed it to develop advanced cognitive abilities such as abstract thinking, the development of articulate language and long-term planning. Its ability to create precision tools, such as spears and axes, and its ability to adapt to diverse environments around the world has allowed it to spread across all continents.
Other important hominids in evolution
1. Ardipithecus
El Ardipithecus is a genus of hominids that lived approximately 4,4 million years ago. The fossils discovered to date show that this hominid inhabited the humid forests of Africa and already walked in a bipedal position, although it also climbed trees. Its brain was relatively small, but its bipedalism marks a crucial point in human evolution. It is considered one of the first hominids to show this key characteristic in our evolution.
2. Australopithecus
This genus includes several hominid species that lived between 4 and 1 million years ago. Perhaps the most famous fossil discovered is that of «Lucy,» a female. Australopithecus afarensisThis hominid was bipedal and represents one of the first important steps toward the evolution of modern humans. They had a small brain, but could walk upright on two legs, which allowed them to explore large territories more efficiently in search of food. There are also two variants of this genus: a more robust one and a gracile one. The robust version, known as paranthropus, had large jaws specialized for eating hard vegetables.
3. Homo neanderthalensis
El Homo neanderthalensis, commonly known as Neanderthal man, was a hominid who inhabited Europe and parts of Asia until about 40.000 years ago. His physical characteristics were distinct from those of the Homo sapiensThey were more robust and shorter in stature, although they possessed an even greater brain capacity. They developed advanced cultures, with specialized tools and evidence of burial practices, indicating a type of symbolic thought. Furthermore, recent genetic analyses have shown that there was interbreeding between Neanderthals and modern humans, leaving us with a small genetic legacy from them.
4. Homo antecessor
Discovered at the Atapuerca site in Spain, the homo predecessor It is one of the oldest species of hominids that inhabited Europe, about 800.000 years ago. Although its direct relationship with the Homo sapiens It is still a subject of debate, but its discovery has allowed us to learn more about the dispersal of the first hominids outside of Africa.
Key features of hominids
bipedalism
El bipedalism is one of the most important characteristics that defines hominids. This change in locomotion allowed hominids to free up their upper limbs for other activities, such as tool making and food gathering. In addition, walking on two legs was crucial for survival in wide, open environments.
Bigger brain
The growth of brain size is one of the key reasons for the evolutionary success of hominids. Since the homo habilis to the Homo sapiens, brain size has increased significantly, allowing not only greater cognitive capacity, but also the development of language, culture and technology.
Social adaptation and communication
As hominins evolved, so did their capacity to interact in complex social groups. Although early forms of communication were likely limited, they eventually developed complex languages that allowed them to pass on knowledge from generation to generation, manufacture advanced tools, and organize themselves into more cohesive communities. The study of hominins allows us to glimpse the fascinating process of human evolution. Through their fossil remains, tools, and social behaviors, we can continue to discover how our ancestors adapted to changing conditions and how, eventually, we, as humans, evolved. Homo sapiens, we came to dominate the planet. This knowledge not only connects us to the past, but also helps us better understand our place in nature and how our current actions could influence the future of our species.