Origins of Early HominidsHumans know or understand the theory of evolution and how they evolved from apes, but there is still talk of a missing link between the apes and modern humans. Apes didn't suddenly become modern humans. Apes evolved into another species that is related to modern humans. This is what the missing link refers to; we call this species hominids. Hominids actually include many species, including but not limited to Australopithecus afarensis and Homo erectus. Homo erectus could be a direct descendant of modern Homo sapiens. These species clearly demonstrate that they are the missing link between apes and modern humans. There is ample evidence that traces the evolutionary path of these species to modern humans, “…these include anatomy, behavior of living primates, and genetic relationships” (Stanford, 237). Australopithecus afarensis comes first, existing approximately 3.9 to 2.9 million years ago, with anatomical traits intermediate between living apes and modern humans; their fossils were found in Africa (Yukimoto). About one to two million years later, the species Homo erectus appeared and much evidence was found of this particular species. In fact, it was likely that it was the first species to leave Africa (Yukimoto). These species play an important role in the evolution of modern humans. We don't have a clear path or even understand why these species appeared when they did or how, in theory, they ultimately evolved into modern humans. We can only assume these things, using various evolutionary processes such as natural selection, genetic bottleneck and many more. Australopithecus afarensis may have been affected by a genetic bottleneck. This...... middle of paper...... climate changed and slowly evolved towards Homo erectus, then Homo erectus was affected by sexual selection, division of their population and their new diet needed. In turn, they slowly evolved into modern Homo sapiens. Natural selection, sexual selection, and genetic drift all affected these species, and caused them to evolve into us modern humans. Works Cited “Homo Erectus”. Homo erect. Smithsonian Institution, 2015. Web. December 8, 2015. Stanford, Craig B., John S. Allen and Susan C. Antón. Exploring biological anthropology: the essential elements. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 2010. 17. Print. Wilford, John Noble. “Homo Naledi, a new species in the human lineage, is discovered in a South African cave.” The New York Times. The New York Times, September 10, 2015. Web. December 08, 2015. Yukimoto, Steven. “Hominin.” Conference. Fresno City College, Fresno. November 19, 2015. Conference.