In the theory of evolution, how many different stages of man has there been?

Answer 1

I use this list, but it is incomplete.

Sahelanthropus tchadensis. 6 to 7 million years ago
Ardipithecus ramidus - 5 to 4 million years ago
Australopithecus afarensis - 4 to 2.7 million years ago
Australopithecus africanus - 3.0 to 2.0 million years ago
Australopithecus robustus - 2.2 to 1.0 million years ago
Homo habilis - 2.2 to 1.6 million years ago
Homo erectus - 2 to 0.4 million years ago
Homo sapiens - 400,000 to 200,000 years ago
Homo sapiens neandertalensis - 200,000 to 30,000 years ago
Homo sapiens sapiens - 130,000 years ago to present

For a more complete description, see link below.

Answer 2

I'd like first to straighten out what are some misconceptions of others and seem to be inherent in your question.

In science, a theory is a set of ideas supported by so much scientific evidence that it is accepted as fact. It is not a hypothesis. Many people confuse the two. When the car does not start, it is wrong to say that you have a theory about the reason. Instead, you have a hypothesis, an educated guess as to how to solve the problem. It is important to understand that Darwin did not have a hypothesis. His was/is a scientific theory.

In addition, the theory of evolution does not state or propose the number of different stages of humans in which humans have existed. Darwin established the most basic mechanism (ecology is also closely tied to evolution and without evolution there is no ecology and there is no biology). Darwin simply stated that those who fit the environment survive and that as the environment changes, there are some organisms that are born fitting the environment. He did not say that an organism can change to fit (see LeMarack for that idea).

All evidence regarding evolution discovered since Darwin's book, "The Theory on the Origin of Species) has substantiated Darwin and his theory (not Darwin and his hypothesis).

Regardless, as the science surrounding evolution expands, it is now accepted that there have been about 15 species closely related that have led to modern man (and woman). The species begin with Ardipithecus and ends with Homo Sapien. Because evolution is a theory, that number may change.

Always remember, evolution is evidence looking for an explanation as opposed to belief systems that are explanations looking for evidence.

Answer 3

According to the theory of evolution, man is ALWAYS evolving. Therefore there are technically infinite stages. But I think on that graph that is always used (the one that starts with a chimp and ends at a man) there are about 6-8 actually portrayed.

Answer 4

I dont believe you can ever find a set number of "stages" as it continually happened over such an immense period of time. We all know of picture of the primate evolving to a man over 6 or 7 images, however the stages happend so gradually that it would be impossible to separate.

Answer 5

An indefinite number, since there was probably a whole spectrum of hominids. We can't even tell which ones were our ancestors, and which were also-ran now-extinct cousins.

I like labsci's list. However, neandertalensis shouldn't be on a list of our direct ancestors. We now classify them as a separate species (Homo neandertalensis), and believe that most people do not have Neanderthal genes.

Answer 6

That depends on your definition of "stage" and also of "hominid." The only natural biological unit of classification is species, similar forms obviously related but no longer capable of producing fertile offspring. The human family tree has many branches that produced many species, only one of which has survived to the present.

Answer 7

i agree with answerers1,2 &5.

Answer 8

1.monkey

2.bill clinton

3.regular humans