Die biologiese evolusie van die mens: oorwegings, stand van kennis en enkele implikasies

Abstract

The biological evolution of man: considerations, current knowledge, and some implications

The biological evolution of the modern man is and remains a controversial subject. In this article, I give an overview of the most important fossil hominid finds, starting from seven million years ago. The periods of existence, relationships, similarities and differences of the Sahelanthropus, Australopithecus, Ardipithecus, Paranthropus, and Homo genera are discussed. A recently proposed alternative classification system for the hominids is also presented. The opinion is expressed that there is enough supporting evidence to accept the biological continuity between all these different life forms, and that the modern human has developed through evolution. Man, to a large extent, is governed and limited by its biological character. Man has, just like any other creature, the created ability to adapt to changes in the environment, and man is and remains a part of the creation of God, and subject to his authority.