Final answer:
Homo sapiens, anatomically similar to humans today, first appeared around 300,000 years ago with features such as a large brain, advanced tools, and use of fire. They had a unique combination of physical traits differentiating them from other hominins, including a projecting chin possibly linked to speech. Our species is now the sole survivor of the genus Homo.
Step-by-step explanation:
Explanation of Homo sapiens (Anatomically Modern Humans)
Homo sapiens, or anatomically modern humans, appear to have emerged around 300,000 years ago and are biologically identical to humans today. The oldest known specimen was found in Morocco in 2017, pushing back the date of the emergence of our species. With an average cranial capacity of about 1,400 cubic centimeters, these early humans were tall with rounded skulls, steep foreheads, a well-developed chin, and only moderate brow ridges. They created sophisticated bone and stone tools, mastered the use of fire, and used animal skins for clothes and shelter, enabling them to survive in various climates. The term anatomically modern human refers to members of the species Homo sapiens who were virtually indistinguishable in physical traits from humans today.Predation pressures for early humans changed with the arrival of Homo sapiens. For example, H. floresiensis faced new threats when anatomically modern humans reached their territories. Our species, currently the only living species in the genus Homo, differed from other hominins like H. erectus and H. neanderthalensis by having less pronounced brow ridges and a more projecting chin, possibly evolving in response to speech developments.