A journey across changing worlds

Modern humans, Homo sapiens, first evolved on the African continent. Over many thousands of years, groups gradually moved into new regions. There was no single journey or one reason for every move. People may have followed animals, searched for plants and water, or explored places that offered new opportunities. Climate and landscapes changed over time, too. Small groups travelled on foot and depended on what they could carry. They made tools, shared knowledge, and worked together to find food and stay safe. Fire provided warmth and helped people cook. As people entered unfamiliar environments, they had to adjust their clothing, shelters, tools, and ways of finding food. People spread from Africa into parts of Asia and Europe. Much later, some groups reached Sahul—the ancient land that joined Australia and New Guinea—by crossing stretches of water. People eventually entered the Americas from northeast Asia, probably using a land connection called Beringia when sea levels were lower. The timing and details of these journeys are still studied by scientists. Reaching faraway regions took many generations; people did not cross the whole world in one trip.

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