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New Discoveries Reveal 30 Ancient Human Species Possible

7/30/2025

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Summary

Story summary

For 40,000 years, Homo sapiens have stood alone, tracing back to a rich lineage of at least nine human species that roamed the Earth 300,000 years ago. Today, scientists recognize 16 species in the Homo genus, with exciting discoveries hinting that up to 30 may have once existed. Among them, Homo habilis, emerging 2.3 million years ago, is hailed as the first human species.

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Story summary

For 40,000 years, Homo sapiens have stood alone, tracing back to a rich lineage of at least nine human species that roamed the Earth 300,000 years ago. Today, scientists recognize 16 species in the Homo genus, with exciting discoveries hinting that up to 30 may have once existed. Among them, Homo habilis, emerging 2.3 million years ago, is hailed as the first human species.