Paleoanthropology

From Freepedia

Paleoanthropology is the branch of physical anthropology that focuses on the study of human evolution, tracing the anatomic and genetic linkages of pre-humans from millions of years ago, up to modern times. Based on recent data and predictions on human gene mutation rates, it is believed currently that hominids (pre-humans) split off from the lineage of the common ancestors to humans and the great apes about 6 million years ago.

The Science of Paleoanthropology arguably began in the late 1800s. Important discoveries occurred, which led to the study of human evolution. The discovery of the Neanderthal in Germany, Thomas Huxley's Evidence as to Man's Place in Nature and Charles Darwin's The Descent of Man were all important to early paleoanthropological research.