The earliest humans,
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, or "handy man," adapted to the environment by making and using tools. Two more recent groups, the
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in Europe, and their close relatives from Asia, the
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, lived at the same time as the first modern humans. But those groups were less capable of adapting to the environment, so they vanished about 28,000 years ago. The scientific name for modern humans is
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, or "wise people."
The earliest humans, also known as hominins, adapted to the environment by making and using tools. These early humans developed the skill of tool-making, which allowed them to manipulate their surroundings and survive in different habitats.
Two more recent groups of hominins lived at the same time as the first modern humans. In Europe, there were the Neanderthals, and their close relatives from Asia were known as Denisovans. These groups were distinct from modern humans in terms of their genetic makeup and physical characteristics.
However, despite their coexistence with modern humans, the Neanderthals and Denisovans were less capable of adapting to the environment and eventually became extinct. The reasons for their extinction are still debated among scientists, but factors such as competition with modern humans, environmental changes, and limited technological advancements might have played a role.
The scientific name for modern humans is Homo sapiens, which means "wise people" in Latin. Homo sapiens is the only surviving species of the genus and is characterized by our advanced cognitive abilities, language, and complex cultural behaviors.
Understanding the history and characteristics of these different hominin groups provides valuable insights into human evolution and our ability to adapt to changing environments.