Discoveries of hominid fossils around the world have helped scientists to determine not only a likely origin for the human species, but also a migration path throughout the world. The migration began even before Neanderthals and Cro-Magnons decided to journey out of their homeland. The type, dates, and distribution of all hominid fossil specimens gives us an indication of where humankind's earliest ancestors had migrated and originated.
What continent did hominids originate on?
It is believed that early humans originated in Africa because the oldest hominid remains have been discovered there.
About 2 million years ago, the first of our ancestors moved northwards from their homeland and out of Africa. Why did our ancestors leave their homeland and where did they go? See if you can place some major milestones of hominid migration in the correct order.
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Neanderthals migrated into Europe over 100,000 years ago.
Homo sapiens migrated into Europe and other areas less than 100,000 years ago.
Mental and physical abilities for migration needed to be established first.
Homo sapiens occupy all parts of the world!
Homo erectus migrates into Europe and Asia about 1.75 million years ago.
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Question
Why do you think our ancestors began to migrate out of Africa?
