Glossary

fossil: Remains or traces of an organism turned to stone by geochemical processes.

hominin: A member of the group of primates that includes humans, their ancestors, and close relatives.

Homo sapiens: The taxonomic name for our species, modern humans.

mutation: A change in a gene’s structure that may be passed on to future generations.

population: A group of organisms of one species, occupying a defined area and usually isolated from other groups of the same species.

symbolic thought: The ability to interpret and re-create the world mentally using symbols. Evidence of symbolic thought includes language, music, art, and complex tools and technology.

trait: Any genetically determined characteristic.