Month: February 2025

Molecular Clock – A method of estimating evolutionary divergence times based on genetic mutation rates.

Stratigraphy – The study of rock layers (strata) to determine the chronological order of past events.

Absolute Dating – Techniques that provide an exact age for fossils, such as radiocarbon dating or potassium-argon dating.

Relative Dating – A method of determining the age of fossils based on their stratigraphic position compared to other finds.

Fossilization – The process by which organic material is preserved in rock over long periods.

Denisovans – A distinct archaic human species closely related to Neanderthals, known from genetic evidence and a few fossil remains.

Neanderthals (Homo neanderthalensis) – An extinct human species that lived in Eurasia and interbred with modern humans.

Homo erectus – A species of early humans known for increased brain size, endurance running, and migration out of Africa.

Homo habilis – An early human species known for using simple stone tools, often considered the first member of the genus Homo.

Australopithecines – A group of early hominins, including species such as Australopithecus afarensis, that show a mix of bipedal and arboreal traits.