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Evolutionary Anthropology

Publication at Faculty of Education |
2014

Abstract

Evolutionary anthropology begins with a key question how and why anatomically modern humans (AMH), a new form of Homo sapiens came to existence. Genetics and paleogenetics play a key role together with paleoanthropology and other paleontological science.

The question of the origin and evolution, its archaic forms and modern forms - Neanderthals and anatomically modern humans has been discussed. AMH and Neanderthals were very close genetically and both groups could potencially interbreed.

Paleogenetic studies have proved that both groups had a common ancestor - Homo heidelbergensis/archaic Homo sapiens who has, together genetic modern human genes, genetical disposition for human speach. Neanderthals came to the extinction after before-last glacial maximum, connected with supervolcano Toba magaerruption, while AMH had started to colonise World since 65 000 years.

AMH started colonisation of Europe minimally as early as 45 000 b.p. and had co-existed with Neanderthals around 7 000 years.