Scientists believe that humans and apes had a common ancestor. About 10 million years ago, some apes left the trees to walk on the open plains. They had large brains, and used their fingers to pick up food. About 4 million years ago, the human-like ape Australopithecus (southern ape) lived in Africa. It probably used sticks or stones as tool, in the same way that chimpanzees do. It walked upright, had long limbs and its body was covered with hair. The first human species was Homo habilis (handy man), who lived in East Africa 2 million years ago. By 1.5 million years ago, the more advanced Homo erectus (upright man) had appeard, and by 500,000 year ago Homo erectus had learned to make fire. They communicated in some form of language, and worked together gathering plants and hunting animals for food.
Fact file
Neanderthals were the first humans to bury their dead. Archaeologists have found evidense of Neanderthal burial ceremonies. The remains of tools and meat have been found in the graves, showing that the dead were buried with care.
resources: Tell me why (Chancellor Press)
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