Anatomically modern human

Modern species of humans

Anatomically Modern Humans
Homo sapiens
Scientific classification
Kingdom
Phylum
Class
Order
Family
Genus	Homo
Species	sapiens
Binomial name	Homo sapiens
Binomial authority
Synonyms

Anatomically modern humans (AMH), or Homo sapiens sapiens, are the subspecies of Homo sapiens that represents the only extant subspecies of Homo. Anatomically modern humans are characterized by a lighter skeletal structure and larger brain volume compared to archaic humans, with a brain volume of about 1350 cm³. They first appeared in Africa approximately 300,000 years ago and show evidence of behavioral modernity around 50,000 years ago.

Characteristics

Anatomically modern humans have several distinct physical characteristics, including a high forehead, a rounded skull, reduced brow ridge, and a less pronounced chin compared to earlier humans. The development of a more complex brain structure allowed for advanced tool use, language development, and social structures.

Evolution

The evolutionary process that led to the emergence of anatomically modern humans is complex and involved several transitional species. The most widely accepted theory suggests that AMH evolved from Homo heidelbergensis or directly from Homo erectus in Africa. This is supported by the Out of Africa theory, which posits that modern humans migrated out of Africa, replacing local archaic human populations.

Migration

Anatomically modern humans began to migrate out of Africa in several waves starting at least 60,000 years ago, leading to the eventual colonization of the entire globe. This migration was facilitated by the development of more sophisticated tools and social structures, enabling humans to adapt to a wide range of environments.

Culture and Technology

The emergence of anatomically modern humans is closely linked with the development of Upper Paleolithic technologies and art, such as blade tools, and the earliest known examples of art, music, and religion. These cultural advancements were crucial for the survival and expansion of human populations.

Genetics

The study of genetics has provided insights into the migration patterns and interbreeding with archaic humans such as Neanderthals and Denisovans. Modern humans share a small percentage of their DNA with these extinct species, indicating that interbreeding occurred when their paths crossed.

Contemporary Distribution

Today, anatomically modern humans are the only surviving human species, with a global population exceeding 7 billion individuals. The vast diversity among human populations is a result of thousands of years of migration, adaptation, and cultural evolution.

See also

• Human evolution
• Behavioral modernity
• Cro-Magnon
• Recent African origin of modern humans
• Multiregional origin of modern humans

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