Why Is There Only One Species of Human? - Robin May
Gresham College・2 minutes read
Humans are discussed as the only species of Homo currently on the planet, with various species like Neanderthals and Denisovans coexisting and interbreeding with modern humans throughout evolutionary history. The lecture also explores the complex branching tree of human evolution, challenging the traditional linear progression and emphasizing the continuous process of evolution.
Insights
- Humans are the only species of Homo currently on the planet, with no hidden human species likely existing, as debunked by exploring the diversity within the human species, genetic similarities with chimpanzees, and historical context of human species diversity.
- Human evolution is a complex branching tree, not a linear progression, with interbreeding between different human lineages challenging the biological species concept based on breeding compatibility. The concept of race lacks biological significance, emphasizing genetic diversity within groups over between them, and coexistence of different human species likely occurred for a few thousand years, influencing our current genetic makeup and challenging negative ideas about race and superiority.
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Recent questions
What is the biological species concept?
A species is a group successfully reproducing and isolated.
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