There were numerous different types of humans. All appear nearly identical, although some are significantly different from others, while others appear almost identical. But what actually differentiates all human species?
Our DNA holds the key to the answer. The majority of our DNA is shared by all humans. However, it is that 1% difference that defines us all. It is responsible for our many physical characteristics, as well as our various blood types and diseases to which we are prone.
So, while we may appear to be different on the surface, we are actually more similar than we know. That is a good thing! Because it implies that no matter how someone appears, they are still human.
All Major Humans
- Homo erectus
- Homo sapiens
- Homo ergaster
- Homo habilis
- Homo antecessor
Era
The main difference between all human species is the time period they lived in.
Homo erectus was the first human species and lived from 1.9 million to 108,000 years ago.
Homo sapiens, which is the current human species, has been roughly around for about 300,000 to 200,000 years.
Homo ergaster is another early human species that lived from 1.4 million to about 600,000 years ago.
Homo habilis was an even earlier human species that lived from 2.3 million to 1.4 million years ago.
Finally, Homo antecessor was the very first human species and lived from about 1.2 million to 800,000 years ago.
Body Features
Homo erectus
Homo erectus was the earliest species of human to have a flat face, large nose, and potentially minimal body hair covering. Although brain size much above that of predecessor species, capacity varied greatly depending on population.
| Body Features | Data |
|---|---|
| Hight | 4 ft 9 in – 6 ft 1 |
| Weight | 40–68 kg |
Homo sapiens
Homo sapiens have a big and well developed prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain linked with higher intellect. They are clever, have episodic memory, flexible facial expressions, self-awareness, and a theory of mind.
| Body Features | Data |
|---|---|
| Hight | 5 ft 4 in – 6 ft 1 |
| Weight | 45–72 kg |
Homo ergaster
Homo ergaster possesses a greater body mass, relatively long legs, obligatory bipedalism, tiny jaws and teeth (showing a significant shift in food), and body proportions and inferred lifestyles that are more comparable to modern humans.
| Body Features | Data |
|---|---|
| Hight | 4 ft 9 in to 6 ft 1 in |
| Weight | 52–63 kg |
Homo habilis
The hypothesis that Homo habilis is a small-statured human with poor long-distance travel ability has been questioned, based mostly on assuming a comparable anatomy to earlier australopithecines.
| Body Features | Data |
|---|---|
| Hight | 3 ft 3 in – 3 ft 11 in |
| Weight | 20–37 kg |
Homo antecessor
Although only a juvenile specimen is available, Homo antecessor’s face is strikingly comparable to that of modern humans rather than other archaic humans, particularly in its general flatness and the curving of the cheekbone as it merges into the upper jaw.
| Body Features | Data |
|---|---|
| Hight | 5 ft 4 in – 6 ft 2 in |
| Weight | 48 to 53 kg |
