Question

What were the first hominin fossils found? Why were these not enough to prove that humans evolved from primate ancestry? What sort of evidence would be needed to support that claim? (200-250 wds)

Answer 1

The first hominid fossil is said to be found which is around 4.4 million years ago and this helps in understanding quite a deal about human evolution. As per the analysis and research, the first hominid is known to have appeared during the Miocene period. There is not enough evidence that shows that the humans have evolved from the primate ancestry because of the way the modern humans have been able to adapt to the environment. Also, there is a big variation in the genetic analysis between the primate and humans and hence this gap is not enough to prove the evolution. Although it is found that humans have evolved from primates and their ancestors but the change in the physical and behavioral traits through evolution does not support enough that humans have evolved from these primates.

However, there are some data and finding which shows that human evolution initiated from primates. The human fossils are studied to understand the gradual change and how evolution took place in terms of brain and body size, diet, locomotion etc. The main evidence that helps in showing the path of evolution is the skeletal remains and the genetic composition which is similar between primate ancestor and humans.