This exhibition is founded on long-term research carried out by the Smithsonian scientists in conjunction with research and educational institutions. Additionally, qualified researchers from different sections across the world have also contributed to this research. As evident, the exhibition takes one through the six million years of development and evolution experienced by mankind. This dates back to the initial human species recognized as Sahelathropus tchadensis to the modern man, the Homo sapiens. At the Smithsonian exhibit, there is evidence that supports discoveries on human origins and progress. This evidence includes the ancient human skull, bones, and tools used by early man. Human evolution supposition is thus defined using the scientific processes; however, this process is also described from a religious standpoint. The methodical process of human evolution is based on the concept of DNA variation about environmental changes.
Human progression is a process through which human beings originated from creatures that assumed the forms of apes. Furthermore, methodical evidence proved that presently both bodily and behavioral traits originated from these creatures. This occurred close to six million years ago. It is noteworthy that several traits developed among humans within six years. It is evident that over four million years ago man developed the capability to saunter on two legs; this is scientifically referred to as bipedalism. Additionally, other traits that developed include a progression of brain complexity, capacity to make and use tools, and ability of expression in different languages. It is noteworthy that, during the last 100,000 years, humans developed cultural diversity and art.
The process of evolution is all about changes that happen naturally; thus, species come up, adjust to the surroundings, and are lastly wiped out. Most importantly, all living things have undergone processes about biological advancement. As per the exhibition, the phrase species refers to a generation of living things capable of interbreeding. Scientists have branded these species with a two-name format; as a result, the modern man is referred to as Homo sapiens. Evolution is said to have taken place upon the alteration of the DNA of these organisms. Additionally, these alterations were translated from the parents to young ones and encompass different genes from the populace. Biologically, the process by which these alterations occur is identified as mutation. As exemplified by the exhibition, this process manipulates an organism’s conduct and body. Scientists have exposed that the genes impinge on the growth of an organism, hence, traits translated from the parents can determine its replication or survival.
The exhibition exemplifies that evolution does not make any alterations on an individual, on the contrary, the inherited traits do. Thus, the former defines the characteristic features of an individual. Most importantly, Research has proved that through the development of evolution off springs receive generic-adaptive traits from their parent. The inherited traits help the offspring to replicate and survive until a change in the surrounding takes place. After some time, the alterations in genes can alter an organism’s lifestyle. The organism thus changes its feeding habits, bodily characteristics, biology, and surroundings.
As per the exhibition, the human evolution process was scientifically triggered, as the ape-like creatures were forced to acclimatize to the ever-changing ecological conditions.
In addition, these creatures were undergoing alteration in their gene composition. It is noteworthy that Smithsonian scientists are continuously gathering evidence concerning human origin. Research that exemplifies the nature of human beings has been conducted in Kenya, Indonesia, India, Mozambique, and many other countries.