Science generally recognizes about 16 to 23 species
Science generally recognizes about 16 to 23 species in the genus Homo (the human branch), though the exact number is debated among scientists due to different definitions of "species" and "human." Science generally recognizes about 16 to 23 species in the genus Homo (the human branch), though the exact number is debated among scientists due to different definitions of "species" and "human." Human-Type Life Forms Documented by Science Depending on how broadly you define "human-type," the numbers change significantly: Genus Homo (8–23 species): Most scientists agree on at least 8–9 species , including Homo habilis (the earliest), Homo erectus , Homo neanderthalensis (Neanderthals), and Homo floresiensis (nicknamed "The Hobbit"). More liberal estimates, which include rarer fossil finds, can reach up to 23 recognized species . Hominins (Up to 30 species): If you include all bipedal relatives that lived after our lineag...