Human Evolution Timeline

  • 99,999 BCE

    Human Evolution

    Human evolution is the long process of change by which people started from apelike ancestors.
  • 20 BCE

    Sahelanthropus tchadensis 7 M.Y.A

    They lived sometime between 6-7 million years ago. They lived in West-Central Africa (Chad). Diiscovered in 2001. Paleoanthropologists found the first fossils in northern Chad. They found 9 cranial specimens.
  • 19 BCE

    Orrorin tugenensis 5.8 MYA

    They lived in Eastern Africa. Lived 6.2 - 5.8 million years ago. Discovered in 2001. Found in Tugen Hills. Found upper femur.
  • 18 BCE

    Ardipithecus kadabba 5.2 MYA

    Lived in Eastern Africa (Ethiopia). They lived 5.8 - 5.2 MYA.They were discovered in 1997. teeth and a bone from the large toe was found
  • 17 BCE

    Ardipithecus ramidus 4.4 MYA

    They lived in Eastern Africa (Ethiopia). They live about 4.4 million years ago. They were discovered in 1994. They found foot bones and a pelvis.
  • 16 BCE

    Australopithecus anamensis 3.9 MYA

    They lived about 4.2 to 3.9 million years ago. They lived in Eastern Africa (Kenya). Discovered in 1995. A single arm bone was discovered by Bryan Patterson.
  • 15 BCE

    Kenyanthropus platyops 3.5 MYA

    They lived in Kenya, and West Turkana. 3.5 MYA.Discovered in 1999. Research team led by Meave leakey found a cranium.
  • 14 BCE

    Australopithecus afarensis 2.95 MYA

    They lived in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania. Live approximately 3.85 to 2.95 MYA. They were discovered in 1974. They found complete skeletal remains.
  • 13 BCE

    Australopithecus garhi 2.5 MYA

    They lived in Ethiopia, Bouri, and Middle Awash. They lived about 2.5 MYA and were discovered in 1990. They found partial skeletal remains and skull fragments.
  • 12 BCE

    Australopithecus africanus 2.1 MYA

    They lived in Southern Africa approximately 3.3 to 2.1 MYA. They were discovered in 1924. Foot bones, teeth, jaw, femur, and pelvis were found.
  • 11 BCE

    Paranthropus aethiopicus 2.3 MYA

    Northern of Kenya and southern Ethiopia. Lived about 2.7 to 2.3 MYA. Discovered in 1985. French paleontologists found a skull.
  • 10 BCE

    Homo rudolfensis 1.8 MYA

    They lived in northern Kenya, Malawi, and possibly northern Tanzania. DIscovered in 1986. They live 1.9 to 1.8 MYA. A brain case was found.
  • 9 BCE

    Australopithecus sediba 1.98 MYA

    They lived in Southern Africa and lived 1.977 to 1.98 MYA. They were discovered in 2008 and scientists found many full completed skeletons.
  • 8 BCE

    Homo habilis 1.4 MYA

    They lived in Eastern and Southern Africa. They lived approximately 2.4 to 1.4 MYA. Discovered in 1960. Scientists found fossilized remains.
  • 7 BCE

    Paranthropus robustus 1.2 MYA

    They lived in Southern Africa around 1.2 to 1.8 million years ago. They were discovered in 1938. Scientist Robert Broom found a molar and a jaw fragment.
  • 6 BCE

    Paranthropus boisei 1.2 MYA

    Lived in Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, and Malawi around 2.3 to 1.2 million years ago. Discovered in 1959. Paleoanthropologists found a skull.
  • 5 BCE

    Homo heidelbergensis 700,000 years ago

    Lived in Europe, possibly China, and Eastern and Southern Africa. Lived 700,000-200,000 years ago. Discovered in 1908. Scientists found a mandible.
  • 4 BCE

    Homo erectus 143,000 years ago

    Lived in Northern, Eastern, and Southern Africa, Western Asia, and East Asia. Lived 1.89 million to 143,000 years ago. Discovered in 1891. Eugene Dubois found the first Homo erectus individual.
  • 3 BCE

    Homo floresiensis 50,000 years ago

    Lived in Asia around 100,000 to 50,000 years ago. Discovered in 2003. Indonesian team found an almost complete female skeleton.
  • 2 BCE

    Homo neanderthalensis 40,000 years ago

    Lived in Europe and southwestern to Central Asia. Lived 400,000-40,000 years ago. Discovered in 1829. Scientists discovered a skull.
  • 1 BCE

    Homo sapiens Present

    Evolved in Africa now live worldwide. Lived around 200,000 years ago to present time.