Human Evolution

Amino acids and organic molecules

Miller and Urey (1953) used H₂, CH₄, NH₃, and H₂O with electric sparks (simulating lightning) and produced amino acids and other organic molecules, supporting the Oparin-Haldane hypothesis of chemical evolution.

Inheritance of acquired characteristics

Lamarck proposed that characteristics acquired during an organism's lifetime are passed on to offspring. This theory was later disproved, as acquired characters are not heritable.

Homo habilis

Homo habilis ("Handy Man") is so named because it was the first hominid known to make and use stone tools (Oldowan culture). It lived about 2.5–1.5 million years ago in Africa.

Natural selection and survival of the fittest

Darwin's theory: heritable variation exists in populations; individuals with favourable variations survive and reproduce more successfully (natural selection), passing on their traits to future generations.