MGSLG. (2020). Module 2 Unit 3

What is used as evidence for common ancestors for living hominids?

Evidence of common ancestors for living hominids, including humans

The term ‘Homo’ refers to the genus and means ‘human’.  Studies of human evolution must include hominids such as the Australopithecines, as it is theorized that the Homo genus diverged (split) from them about four million years ago in Africa.  Scientists have estimated that humans branched from their common ancestor with the chimpanzee about five to six million years ago.  Other species of Homo like Homo erectus and Homo neanderthalensis have all become extinct.  Substantial fossil proof exists to explain hominid evolution, although it is not enough to make specific conclusions.  The poster below was constructed by Wits university to explain human ancestry to students:









Following is the evidence that is used to explain human evolution:

3.1: Fossil evidence:

  • Archaeologists have provided fossil evidence to prove that relationships existed between the Early Stone Age cultures in Europe and Northern Africa
  • Discoveries in South Africa, Kenya and Zimbabwe have been used to prove and validate that Africa was the home of early man
  • Fossil sites in Africa:


Fossil records:



3.2: Genetic evidence:

  • Mitochondrial DNA:  MtDNA is the smallest chromosome located in the mitochondria and forms part of the organisms’ genome.  In most species, mtDNA is inherited from the mother (maternal inheritance).  The sequencing of the mtDNA shows a link in phylogenetics and evolutionary relationships between species.  The age of the common ancestral mtDNA can be estimated to have existed approximately 140,000 to 290,000 years ago linking humans to Mitochondrial Eve.


3.3: Cultural evidence: Tool making

  • The earliest hominids to use simple tools known as Oldowan stone tools, were Homo habilis that lived around 2.6 Ma and signifies the start of the Stone Age
  • Homo habilis fossils have been found in many parts of Africa with tools that were made of stone and used to aid hunting and cutting of food
  • Homo erectus developed more advanced tools that included sharpened stones placed on wooden handles, like an axe
  • They were also the first species to use flints and quartzite to make fire
  • Later fossil evidence shows tools like scrapers probably used to clean animal skins, slicers and needles used to sew animal pelts into the first form of clothes
  • From this point, tools progressed to knives and blades used by the Neanderthals used for hunting and protection
  • Fossil evidence shows that as the different species developed larger brains and greater intelligence, so their tools became more complex.




Last modified: Thursday, 25 March 2021, 7:53 AM