Final answer:
Hominin evolution displays a branching pattern with multiple coexisting species, advancement of bipedalism, and the spread of culture and genes through migration.
Step-by-step explanation:
The general trend of evolution through the groups of hominins indicates a complex and branching path rather than a straightforward, linear progression from early hominins to modern humans. The discovery of new fossil evidence has highlighted that multiple hominin species coexisted and that not all of them are direct ancestors of Homo sapiens. One clear trend includes the adaptation of bipedalism, which sets the stage for several morphological and behavioral developments such as increased brain size and the use of tools. Furthermore, Homo erectus, a significant figure in the hominin lineage, expanded territories and showed advances in subsistence systems and technology, reflecting an increased ability to adapt and control the environment. Lastly, the migration of hominin populations contributed to cultural and genetic exchange as humans spread across the globe.