Science · 16 September 2026

Up to 30 human species may have lived throughout prehistory

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While humans are the only species left, at least nine species of walking apes lived 300,000 years ago. If you define 'human' as genus Homo, there are 16 recognised species, including Neanderthals and Homo habilis. Broadening the definition to all hominins means there could have been as many as 30 human species in prehistory.

By BriefTea Editorial · 16 September 2026 at 0:08

Reported by BBC Wildlife Magazine · How we write briefs

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