The early evolution and spread of humans around the planet were shaped by their environments. Over time, the effects of human activities have become visible everywhere. Evidence of human interactions with these environments is seen in the record of changes in animal and plant fossils, the chemistry of rocks, and the objects our ancient relatives left behind.
In this gallery, you can learn about huge animals that interacted with early humans, track the evolution of our species through replicas of fossilized remains, and understand how humans continue to affect the environment today.
Click to expand images below.
Moa
Humans reached the islands of New Zealand less than 1,000 years ago. Their activities drove the moa to extinction within only 150 years.
Dodo
Does this dodo look considerably less cartoonish than you remember? Our new model has been updated to reflect recent dodo research–slimmer and more athletic!
Lucy – Replica
Many fossils from Lucy’s species have been found, but with 40% of the skeleton recovered, Lucy is among the most complete.
Giant Ground Sloth
This ancient sloth was buried in bat guano, which preserved some of its skin, fur, and ligaments along with its bones.
Mastodon
Mastodons originated in Africa and spread across Eurasia and North America. Mastodons and mammoths could coexist because they ate different foods.
All photos: credit Andy Melien / Yale Peabody Museum