In the meantime, countless finds were added; the skeleton of a link between monkey and human being

was finally reconstructed from the fossilised remains of various individuals. Ardipithecus ramidus (Ardi), as this species was called by Tim White and his fellow explorers, was dated to an age of about 4.4 million years and was able to walk upright based on the foot bones found.

Although the details of the human genealogical tree (or more accurately the human genealogical bush) are still the subject of fierce controversy and every new discovery requires corrections, the scientists involved are surprisingly unanimous on the fundamental issues.

Molecular biology also plays an important role and has been able to confirm and supplement the results of spade research with genetic analyses, especially of humans and great apes living today.

While the physical evolution of humans has been clarified in principle, there is still great uncertainty about the development of the human mind, human consciousness, and the causes that have led to a human culture. Was it walking erect that gave the impetus? The use of tools? Language?