Early humans evolved from ape-like forms to modern humans over time. While today's humans look very different from Australopithecus afarensis, which resembled apes, both share some similar attributes. A. afarensis walked upright and could still climb trees, though they were only about 4 feet tall and 50 pounds with small, orange-sized brains. Later hominids like Homo habilis and Homo erectus continued to evolve, with bigger brains and bodies that were more similar to modern humans. Homo neanderthalensis and Homo sapiens had even larger brains and bodies that closely resembled anatomically modern humans.

1. By: Sarah Cortese