Abstract
From its eco-geographical niche in Africa, the Homo sapiensspecies has spread its hold over the whole planet in the course of its expansion, leading to a loss of biodiversity and the disappearance of other human species, such as Neanderthals, with whom it has sometimes coexisted. How did our species come to dominate ? Was it really more advanced than the other forms of humanity that evolved alongside it? This opening lecture attempts to define Homo sapiens, from the evolution of its morphological and physical traits to its cognitive capacities and mastery of certain technologies.
Jean-Jacques Hublin is a paleoanthropologist, author of numerous works on the evolution of Neanderthals and the African origins of modern man.
He has played a pioneering role in the development of virtual Paleoanthropology, which makes extensive use of medical and industrial imaging techniques, and computer technology to reconstruct and analyze fossil remains. He is also interested in the evolution of growth rhythms and brain development in hominids, and in the history of his discipline.
Visiting professor at the International Chair since 2014, he will become holder of the Paleoanthropology Chair in 2021 .
