0.2 million years
or 5 cm to today
Geological era: Cenozoic / Quaternary
One of the predecessor species of man (Homo erectus) emigrates to Europe 200 000 years ago, where it develops into a Neanderthal. In Africa, it gives rise to modern man (Homo sapiens), who comes to Europe 40 000 years ago. He conqueres the earth with his tools and his ability to control fire and becomes the man of today. He strongly changes the environment and will probably contribute to the seventh great mass extinction of the earth’s history.
Low sea levels allowed Australia to be colonized from Papua New Guinea about 65 000 years ago. Approximately 15 000 years ago, the retreat of ice on the American continent allowed its settlement via the Bering Strait. Today, global traffic spreads animals and plants all over the world.