Why are there so many named species of ancient hominins? What does this reflect about our evolution? What does this reflect about how scientists interpret the bones of ancient hominins?
Additionally, the fossil record is incomplete, and many hominin species may have existed that we have yet to discover. The interpretation of bones from ancient hominins is a complex process that involves careful analysis of their morphology, relative dating, and comparing them to other fossils.
Scientists use a variety of methods to try to reconstruct the evolutionary history of hominins, including examining their physical traits and comparing them to those of living primates and other extinct hominins. However, there is often disagreement among scientists about the classification of different hominin species, and new discoveries can challenge existing theories about our evolutionary history.
Evolution is a complex area of study with numerous variables that may have contributed to human advancement. With such a vast amount of named species of ancient hominins, Feder (2019, p. 79). identifies two possibilities for this, there were numerous groups of hominins living in different areas at the same time, or a single species that was rich in diversity that resulted in paleoanthropologists identifying each distinction with its own name. Through analysis of each hominin species, identification of human evolution can be inferred by similarities in the fossils discovered. Perhaps the notion of a diverse species coexisting can explain similarities and differences, with some hominin species having more similar physical attributes and others that are distantly related. With the extinction of many apes that required a jungle terrain, Darwin’s theory of evolution was reinforced when the apes that possessed a bipedal function advanced in grassland. By examining different traits in fossils from the past and samples from the present, scientists can help the world understand evolution in different climates, material advancements, and development (Smithsonian, n.d.). Scientists from similar backgrounds may contest the theories presented by others and offer different interpretations, as addressed above by Feder. Through collective research and presented theories, scientists can develop a better idea of how, when, and why evolution occurred. Feder, K. L. (2019).
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Smithsonian. (n.d.). Human evolution. National Museum of National History. https://naturalhistory.si.edu/education/teaching-resources/social-studies/human-evolution
