Modern humans are a species of primate animals, which, it is believed, originated in Africa about 250,000 years ago.
However other, earlier species of humans, now extinct, are believed to have existed for about 500,000 years.
Humans are closely related to apes and share 97% of their DNA with chimpanzees.
Humans have evolved into the dominant species on planet Earth because of their intellectual capacity and self awareness, which has allowed them to exert control over their environment, for example through development of the use of tools.
Anne Evans
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