Homo

Human evolution, in our alternate universe, began an estimated 12 million years ago in South America, with the divergence of an early primate lineage from apes. Over millions of years, this lineage eventually gave rise to the genus Homo, with the first known representative being Homo parvus around 3 million years ago. Although closely related to humans, Neanderthals also diverged from this early lineage and have remained a distinct but parallel evolutionary branch to modern humans.

Early hominins and tool use

The origins of tool use in our alternate universe date back to early hominin species, Homo habilis, around 2.5 million years ago. This hominin employed simple tools such as cutting tools made from [pebbles], wooden spears, and bone implements. This tool-use behavior was a precursor to more complex tool production observed in later hominin species, including Homo parvus, the primary evolutionary predecessor to modern humans.

Evolution and migration of Homo parvus

Homo parvus evolved and spread throughout South America, roughly 3 million to 1.5 million years ago. During this period, they developed a wide range of adaptations to the continent's diverse environments, including forests, savannas, and coastal regions. This led to the emergence of distinct Homo parvus subspecies, each displaying variations in body size, cranial shape, and specialized adaptation.

Like other hominin species, Homo parvus was omnivorous and highly adaptive. They employed a diverse array of tool production techniques, including woodworking, stone flaking, and even plant fiber crafting. As their social complexity and technological skills increased, Homo parvus spread across South America and into Central America around 1.2 million years ago.

Coexistence of Homo sapiens, Homo parvus, and Neanderthals

The human lineage of this alternate universe is distinguished by the concurrent evolution and migration of three distinct groups: Homo sapiens, Homo parvus, and Neanderthals.

Homo sapiens, as found in our present reality, evolved around 300,000 years ago in Africa before migrating to other continents. In our alternate universe, Homo sapiens also evolved in Africa but were later joined by Homo parvus groups that had migrated north. These populations came into contact around 150,000-60,000 years ago, when Homo parvus expanded through Central America into North America and eventually, Eurasia.

Following Homo sapiens' and Homo parvus' migrations across continents, Neanderthals also moved from their Eurasian cradle, reaching East Asia, Siberia, and eventually North America. Unlike their extinction in our reality, in our alternate universe, Neanderthals continued to flourish and evolve alongside Homo sapiens and Homo parvus.

Cultural and technological developments

Throughout the Late Pleistocene, the three human lineages interacted, competed, cooperated, and traded ideas and innovations. During this period, hominins developed advanced cultural practices, such as symbolic artifacts, rock art, elaborate burial practices, and complex language.

Hominin societies also possessed sophisticated technology, which included compound tools, spear-throwers, and composite bows. They engaged in agricultural practices, animal husbandry, and ceramic production, creating conditions for population growth and social development.

Present-day distribution of species

In the present day, our alternate universe's human landscape is composed of three coexisting groups:

1. Homo sapiens: The largest group of modern humans, similar in appearance and distribution to our actual reality, spanning Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia, and the Pacific Islands.
2. Homo parvus: A smaller and more gracile lineage than Homo sapiens, with representatives found throughout South America, Central America, North America, and the Caribbean.
3. Neanderthals: Distinguished by robust physical features, Neanderthals occupy Eurasia and North America, where they have developed distinct cultural adaptations, including forms of cave art and unique toolmaking techniques.

This coexistence has created a dynamic and varied human tapestry that draws upon the unique strengths and abilities of each lineage. The continued presence of Neanderthals and Homo parvus, alongside the more widely-known Homo sapiens, contributes to a diverse array of cultural, linguistic, technological, and physical attributes.