How Similar Are We To The Extinct Human Species? | With Professor Chris Stringer

'The Origins Of Homo Sapiens With Professor Chris Stringer'

From where did humans originate? What did the earliest humans look like? Why did homo sapiens survive while other hominin species went extinct?

In this filmed episode of The Ancients podcast, we're on location at the Natural History Museum in London as Tristan Hughes delves into a huge topic; the origins of modern humans!

Our guest, Professor Chris Stringer, is a leading expert in human evolution. Chris takes us through his research on the origins of our species, from Neanderthals and the strange hobbit-like hominin that lived in Indonesia, fossil evidence from across the planet, and how the 'Out of Africa' theory of early human dispersal has become more complicated in the light of new research.

#homosapiens #humanevolution #historyhit

[HistoryHit]

If you could use a time capsule to travel back to a point in our evolution story, where (and when) would you go? 🤔

[megamoneyDo]

Never understood the mindset that these early people were dumb. By arrogant modern standards maybe, but they were intelligent enough to to survive for hundreds of thousands of years in terrain and a world much more harsh than the one we know. In learning about all of these species, and human genetics my mind set has completely shifted. I have so much respect for these early species. They quite literally walked so we could run.

[paulroberts]

I studied Paleo-anthropology in the mid 1990s. What amazes me is how much the field has evolved in the past 25 plus years. What I learned about the relationships between the various species hominoids and hominids is mostly obsolete. So many new finds, and the whole family tree has been reworked. Although, most is contested. What a fascinating field. I wish I’d made this my career. What a time the last 25 years have been in the field.

[ericingham]

Chris Stringer really is such a concise teacher, clearly explaining the key milestones, the distinctive details of human variations and clarifying very well the usually murky migrations, especially the "important" 60k y.a. dispersal. He's also professional enough to note the progression of the field's prevailing thoughts and not have an "ax to grind". Sometimes too many contentious "talking heads" result in a "many scientists think..." soup that's tasty but not filling or satisfying. The interviewer was skilled at maximizing Stringer's knowledgeable presentation.

[jimmeltonbradley]

I was lucky enough to catch a series of Chris Stringer's lectures whilst on a cruise along the Amazon in 2017. Some of the things he talks about here were just emerging from research programmes back then. It's great to hear how much progress has been made in the last five years.

[larryparis]

What an excellent interview. Prof. Stringer is always clear and informative. And give credit to the interviewer - he did his preparation and had a great set of questions.

[Jess-bee]

I’d really love a longer deep dive on this topic. So so interesting.

[scottythetrex]

An outstanding interviewer. He asked really good questions.

[teaburg]

I never miss a chance to listen to an interview with Chris Stringer. Always learn something more. Thank you for this.

[metalman]

Fascinating discussion. I read Dr. Stringer's book years ago and really enjoyed it. I hope we can look forward to more Paleo-anthropology content on this channel!

[carveraugustus]

Also this was a podcast a month ago. Excellent. But seeing the reconstructions is quite helpful so I’m glad history hit went through the effort to shoot all that stuff too.

[Wernerrrrr]

This is what makes YouTube great. What a great interview!

[kimberlyperrotis]

I was taught as a child 50 years ago that what makes us humans different is the ability to make tools. This has been completely overturned since then. Even corvids (crows and similar species) are capable of making three or four part tools, problem solving and planning. What a great video, thanks to both!

[DipityS]

This was fascinating! Thank you so much for such an interesting video talking to a Professor who has an obvious passion for his field.

[bestestusername]

fascinating 27mins with no cgi, no acting just a smart guy teaching. I am subscribed and looking forward to going through the videos. great stuff thank you.

[kayzeaza]

It’s so mind blowing this whole idea of multiple different humanoids species all living together in earth. If I had a time machine it would be one of the first things I’d go back and see!

[maggiebrinkley]

Chris Stringer is AWESOME! Such a great communicator! Thanks for another fascinating episode!

[GaryJohnWalker]

Fascinating. Chris Stringer should've had much more recognition by now - maybe if the bbc had latched on to him more as a go-to expert and even presenter he'd have got it.

Then again, that might've diverted him from his great skill at collecting the information and making sense of it to the rest of us.

[bsheldon]

I wish they would also mention that about 50% of the unique genetic variations found in the Neanderthals, are found in living humans. It is just that no more than under a bit 3% has been found in any one living human. Gives a more clear picture of the significance of the admixture.

[davidd]

This is brilliant! Thank you HH team for bringing this to us!