The Evolutionary Journey of Humans

Humans share 98.8% of DNA with chimpanzees. Our ancestors began walking upright around 7 million years ago, which was a groundbreaking shift in mobility and lifestyle, paving the way for the development of advanced tools and societal structures.

The human brain has tripled in size over the last 2 million years. Neurons connect through synapses, and each neuron can form up to 10,000 synaptic connections, making our cognitive capabilities remarkably advanced compared to other species.

Despite external physical differences, humans are genetically 99.9% identical. The small 0.1% variation accounts for individual differences such as eye color, height, and susceptibility to various diseases, highlighting the underlying unity of our species.

Humans are the only species capable of creating complex languages, writing systems, and cultural rituals. This cultural evolution allows us to transmit knowledge across generations, constantly building upon previous advancements in science, art, and technology.

With advancements in genetics and biotechnology, humans may soon have the ability to alter their own DNA. This self-directed evolution opens possibilities for enhanced intelligence, disease resistance, and longevity, fundamentally changing what it means to be human.

Modern humans and Neanderthals interbred, and up to 2% of DNA in non-African populations today is Neanderthal in origin.