Hominins

Hominins are the group of species that include modern humans and our closest extinct relatives, such as early humans like Homo erectus and Homo habilis. They are characterized by features like larger brains, sophisticated tool use, and bipedal walking (walking on two legs). Hominins evolved in Africa around 6 to 7 million years ago and gradually diverged from other primates. Studying hominins helps us understand human origins and the evolutionary traits that distinguish us from other animals. They are a key part of the evolutionary lineage leading to modern Homo sapiens.