Our Human Story

Our Human Story is a guide to our fossil relatives, from Sahelanthropus to Homo sapiens, explaining their significance in understanding human evolution.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 12 February 2018
Publisher: The Natural History Museum

Our Human Story serves as a comprehensive guide to our fossil relatives,spanning from the earliest hominins like Sahelanthropus, estimated to have existed six to seven million years ago, to our own species, Homo sapiens. Over the past 25 years, the narrative of human evolution has witnessed a remarkable explosion of species names, driven by both groundbreaking discoveries and a deeper understanding of the diverse past. Drawing upon this wealth of new information and their extensive expertise and practical experience, Louise Humphrey and Chris Stringer present a clear and accessible explanation of what each of these key species represents and how they contribute to our understanding of human evolution.

Sahelanthropus, believed to have existed approximately six to seven million years ago, represents a crucial milestone in our evolutionary journey. Its existence sheds light on the early stages of human evolution and provides valuable insights into the genetic and physical characteristics of our ancient ancestors.

As our understanding of human evolution has expanded, so has the list of species involved in our story. New discoveries and advancements in technology have led to the identification of numerous previously unknown hominins, such as Orrorin tugenensis, Ardipithecus ramidus, and Homo habilis. These discoveries have challenged our previous assumptions and expanded our knowledge of the diversity of human ancestors.

Furthermore, a growing awareness of the complexity and diversity that existed in the past has contributed to the explosion of species names in human evolution. Researchers have recognized that different regions of the world and different periods of time were home to a wide range of human-like species, each with unique characteristics and adaptations. This understanding has led to the classification of these species into different taxonomic groups and the development of a more comprehensive understanding of human evolution.

Louise Humphrey and Chris Stringer, in their book "Our Human Story," play a pivotal role in elucidating the significance of each of these key species. They provide detailed descriptions of these species, highlighting their physical features, evolutionary relationships, and cultural and historical contexts. Through their accessible and engaging writing style, they make complex scientific concepts accessible to a broad audience, fostering a deeper understanding of our shared human heritage.

One of the key contributions of "Our Human Story" is its emphasis on the interconnectedness of different species. The authors recognize that our evolution is not a linear process, but rather a complex web of relationships and interdependencies. They illustrate how different species, such as Homo sapiens, Neanderthals, and Denisovans, interacted and influenced each other's development, leading to the emergence of our modern human species.

Furthermore, the book delves into the practical implications of understanding human evolution. By examining the evolution of our ancestors, researchers can gain insights into the factors that contributed to our success as a species and the challenges we have faced throughout our history. This knowledge can be used to develop strategies for addressing contemporary issues, such as climate change, disease, and social inequality.

In conclusion, "Our Human Story" serves as a comprehensive and engaging guide to our fossil relatives, from the earliest hominins to our own species, Homo sapiens. Over the past 25 years, the story of human evolution has witnessed a remarkable explosion of species names, driven by new discoveries and a deeper understanding of the diverse past. Louise Humphrey and Chris Stringer, through their expertise and accessible writing, provide a clear and accessible explanation of what each of these key species represents and how they contribute to our knowledge of human evolution. By highlighting the interconnectedness of different species and the practical implications of our evolutionary history, "Our Human Story" fosters a deeper appreciation for our shared human heritage and inspires us to address the challenges of our present and future.

Weight: 452g
Dimension: 232 x 187 x 11 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780565093914