Human
Homo sapiens
Conservation Status
Data DeficientMammalia · Primates · Hominidae
About
Humans are the most common and widespread species of primate, and the only extant species of the genus Homo. They are great apes characterized by hairlessness, obligate bipedality, manual dexterity with opposable thumbs, precision grip, and high intelligence. Humans have large brains compared to body size, enabling more advanced cognitive skills that facilitate successful adaptation to varied environments, development of sophisticated tools, and formation of complex social structures and civilizations. Humans possess a disproportionately larger volume of both cerebral white matter and gray matter present in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) than any other primate species, which facilitated the expansion of higher-order executive functions.
Fun Fact
All but one of these lineages – representing the genus Homo and its sole extant species Homo sapiens – are now extinct.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Occurred independently in Mesoamerica (about 6,000 years ago), China, Papua New Guinea, and the Sahel and West Savanna regions of Africa.
Diet
To be updated
Lifespan
000 years
Threats
- Habitat Change
- Human Disturbance