I took a class in evolutionary biology last semester in college(very enlightening-I highly recommend it to everyone to take at least one class on the topic) and my professor mentioned that what we consider ourselves to be--H. sapiens--is actually a subspecies of a larger group that included extinct groups of "archaic H. sapiens". Does anyone have any more information on the topic? Thanks!
2006-06-20 15:08:50 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
Yes there are at least two other sub-species of H sapiens. Naturally, there is debate on this in scientific circles. What you teacher was referring to was H sapiens neanderthalis (the neanderthals), H sapiens sapiens (modern humans) and H sapiens floriensis (the so-called hobbit found on the island of Flores in Indonesia). Recently some Neanderthal DNA from a 30,000 year old leg bone has been sequenced and it appears Neanderthals may be reclassified to H neanderthalis. There's no DNA yet available from the Flores hobbit but some scientists are saying it's a subspecies of H erectus, not H. sapiens. We'll have to wait and see on that one.
PS, you're right. Human evolution is a fascinating area! Well done for doing the course. Maybe you should do a degree in molecular biology!!
2006-06-20 15:42:28 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know much at all about this subject, but if my memory serves correctly, humans are actually "homo sapiens sapiens"...? So that would mean that there is a larger group of "homo sapiens", and would go back farther...right? LOL I said I don't know much about this!
However, I think that's a fascinating subject, and I look forward to taking a class!
2006-06-20 22:21:15 · answer #2 · answered by tcope5 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, there was a another sub-species which is now extinct, Homo Erectus, which was named for being one of the first Primates which walked erect. There are doubtless others, even more undiscovered extinct subspecies of Homo sapiens. It's interesting that we call ourselves Homo Sapien Sapien, isn't it?
2006-06-20 22:15:23 · answer #3 · answered by Alexanderthegreat 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a subgrouping based on the distinction between anatomically modern humans and behavioraly modern humans.
Anatomically modern humans crop up 100,000-200,000 years ago.
Behavioraly modern humans are much more recent 50,000 years ago give or take.
2006-06-21 10:20:41 · answer #4 · answered by corvis_9 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Homo is the genus and has several species, species Homo sapiens has at least 3 subspecies:
H. sapiens sapiens (that's you and me)
H. sapiens neanderthalensis (extinct)
H. sapiesn idaltu (extinct)
2006-06-20 23:05:26 · answer #5 · answered by pogonoforo 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Watch discovery channel's "Walk With Cavemen" and prepare to be amazed!!!!!! Peace..
2006-06-20 22:17:05 · answer #6 · answered by wildrover 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋