Others argue that Homo sapiens (humans) took several million years to evolve and as follows:

Around 6 - 7 million years ago

• Around 6 million years ago humans diverge from primates. These early ancestors of humans lived in the forests of Africa.

Around 4 - 5 million years ago

• The hominid lineage split from the apes. The australopithecines were bipedal (walking on two legs) and showed some characteristics of both apes and humans. The most famous fossil of this group is "Lucy," a specimen of Australopithecus afarensis.

Around 2 - 3 million years ago

• The genus Homo emerges. These early Homo species had larger brains and more advanced tool-making abilities. Homo habilis, for example, is known for its use of stone tools.

Around 1 - 2 million years ago

• Homo erectus is believed to be the first hominid to have migrated out of Africa and spread to other parts of the world. They had a larger brain size and more sophisticated tools.

Around 400,000 - 200,000 years years ago

• Homo sapiens (humans) emerge in Africa. This period saw the development of more advanced tools, art, and symbolic expression.