Homo erectus was the first of our Hominid ancestors to venture out of  the continent

Starting shortly after 2 million years ago, the genus Homo, our  genus, makes its appearance, initially on the African continent, but  Homo erectus was the first of our Hominid ancestors to venture out of  the continent. Choose to answer one, and only one, of the options below:

A: Describe the evolution of tool manufacture, from  Homo habilis over Neanderthals to the first Homo sapiens. What tools  were manufactured, where were they found, and what do we think they were  used for? Lastly, discuss what tool manufacture may show in terms of  cognitive skills and social organization. Be specific and use the  correct names of the different tool traditions. While you do not need to  provide specifics of all stone tool discoveries, ensure you provide  appropriate evidence for stone tool traditions associated with Homo  habilis, homo erectus, Neanderthals and the earliest Homo sapiens.

B: Explain the origins of our species, Homo sapiens.  First, describe where and when scientists think modern humans  originated. Supply specific evidence for the claims. Then, discuss how  Homo sapiens relate to other hominin species such as but not limited to  Homo neanderthalensis, Homo naledi and Denisovans. Things to consider  would be whether one of the species was ancestral to the other or which  ancestor they have in common, whether there was gene exchange, and  whether the species met.

Things change quickly in paleoanthropology, and to catch up on the  newest discoveries that change some dates and locations, make sure to  watch this lecture:

VIDEO: COPY and PASTE to see below

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If you are having trouble starting this video, please access it here (Links to an external site.).

Note that no textbook can be fully updated due to fast pace of new  discoveries and how those can change location and dates. This does not  mean what we know are guesses or incorrect, merely that specifics are  continuously refined.