Which came first?
Homo habilis
Homo erectus
Homo sapiens
All evolved at the same time and coexisted
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer: Homo habilis
Explanation:
Homo habilis is considered the earliest species among the three listed and appeared before Homo erectus and Homo sapiens. It first emerged around 2.4 to 1.4 million years ago in Africa. Homo habilis is often regarded as one of the first members of the genus Homo and is thought to have evolved from an earlier hominin such as Australopithecus. This species is notable for its association with the use of stone tools, which reflects a significant step in cognitive and cultural development.
Homo erectus appeared later, approximately 1.9 million years ago, and existed until about 110,000 years ago. It had a more modern body structure compared to Homo habilis and was the first hominin known to have left Africa, spreading into Asia and Europe. Homo erectus also showed advanced tool use and is believed to have used fire. Its larger brain and more humanlike body proportions mark an important evolutionary development.
Homo sapiens, the species to which modern humans belong, evolved much more recently, around 300,000 years ago. This species is characterized by a high forehead, rounded skull, smaller teeth, and complex language and culture. Homo sapiens eventually became the only surviving species of the genus Homo.
The idea that all three species evolved at the same time and coexisted is incorrect. Although there was some overlap between Homo erectus and early Homo sapiens, Homo habilis had already disappeared by the time Homo sapiens emerged. The evolutionary sequence clearly shows Homo habilis came first, followed by Homo erectus, and then Homo sapiens. This progression highlights the gradual changes in anatomy, behavior, and technology that occurred over millions of years in human evolution.