Remarkable recreations of a "hobbit," Neanderthal, and Homo erectus, evoke living images of our human ancestors.
Paragraph 1: The BBC's latest documentary series, "Human," is set to unveil a fascinating exploration of human evolution over the past 300,000 years. This ambitious project, a collaboration between the BBC Studios Science Unit and the U.S. science program "NOVA," will delve into the origins of our species and the diverse human species that once roamed the Earth.
Paragraph 2: One of the series' most intriguing aspects is the use of lifelike reconstructions of prehistoric humans. Four such reconstructions are featured, including Homo erectus, Homo floresiensis, Neanderthals, and the earliest known Homo sapiens specimen from Jebel Irhoud, Morocco, dated to around 300,000 years ago. Among these, the "hobbit" species reconstruction, a diminutive humanoid, is particularly noteworthy. As an adult, it is said to have been about the same height as a modern 4-year-old.
Paragraph 3: The Neanderthal model, with its light skin tone, is a testament to the advancements in scientific understanding. DNA evidence from genes linked to pigmentation suggests that Neanderthals, who lived at high latitudes in Eurasia with low levels of sunlight, would have benefited from light skin for vitamin D production.
Paragraph 4: The series also sheds light on the early migration of humans across the Bering Land Bridge during the last Ice Age. Around 15,000 years ago or earlier, early humans, often referred to as Paleo-Indians, crossed this land bridge and migrated southward throughout the Americas. Archaeological finds suggest their presence in the mid-continental regions as early as 15,000 years ago or more, challenging previous models limiting migration timing strictly to after the ice-free corridor opened.
Paragraph 5: Another significant finding highlighted in the series is the evidence of interbreeding between Neanderthals and modern humans, a phenomenon that occurred for thousands of years. This genetic exchange has left a lasting impact on the human gene pool, shaping our species in ways we are still discovering.
Paragraph 6: In the United Kingdom, the series will premiere on BBC Two on July 14. For U.S. residents, all episodes will be available to stream at pbs.org/nova, NOVA on YouTube, and the PBS app. The series will air in the United States on September 17 at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT. Additionally, the series will feature 45 amazing facial reconstructions, including Stone Age shamans and King Tut.
Paragraph 7: Through the use of cutting-edge 3D models developed using the latest scientific data, "Human" offers a captivating journey through our past, providing insights into the diverse species that once populated the Earth and the complex migrations that shaped the world we live in today.
The BBC's documentary series, "Human," also delves into medical-conditions that existed in prehistoric humans, such as the early migration of humans across the Bering Land Bridge, which resulted in genetic exchange between Neanderthals and modern humans, shaping our species. Furthermore, scientific advancements in space-and-astronomy and technology are leveraged in the series, as evidenced by the use of 45 captivating facial reconstructions of Stone Age shamans and King Tut, alongside lifelike reconstructions of prehistoric humans.
