Archaic Homo Sapiens
A number of varieties of Homo are grouped into the broad category of Archaic Homo sapiens, contrasted with anatomically modern humans (Homo sapiens sapiens), in the period beginning 500,000 years ago. This category typically includes Homo heidelbergensis, Homo rhodesiensis, Homo neanderthalensis, and may also include Homo antecessor.
Modern humans are theorized to have evolved from archaic Homo sapiens, who in turn evolved from Homo erectus. Varieties of archaic Homo sapiens are included under the binomial name "Homo sapiens" because their brain size is very similar to that of modern humans. Archaic Homo sapiens had a brain size averaging 1200 to 1400 cubic centimeters, which overlaps with the range of modern humans. Archaics are distinguished from anatomically modern humans by having a thick skull, prominent brow ridges and the lack of a prominent chin.
Anatomically modern humans appear from about 200,000 years ago and after 70,000 years ago (see Toba catastrophe theory) gradually marginalize the "archaic" varieties. Non-modern varieties of Homo are certain to have survived until after 30,000 years ago, and perhaps until as recent as 10,000 years ago. Which of these, if any, are included under the term "archaic Homo sapiens" is a matter of definition and varies among authors. Nonetheless, and according to recent genetic studies, modern humans seem to have bred with "at least two groups" of ancient humans: Neanderthals and Denisovans. New evidence suggests another group may also have been extant as recently as 11,500 years ago, the Red Deer Cave people of China.
Read more about Archaic Homo Sapiens: Terminology and Definition, Brain Size Expansion, Origin of Language, Fossils
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