Hominids originated in Africa at least 7 million years ago. Early hominid species like Ardipithecus ramidus, Australopithecus anamensis and Australopithecus afarensis displayed characteristics like bipedalism and thicker tooth enamel. Climatic changes forced early hominids to occupy more open savannah areas. Later species like Homo habilis, Homo ergaster and Homo erectus had larger brains and used tools and fire. Homo sapiens originated in Africa around 200,000-160,000 years ago. Neanderthals originated in Europe and disappeared around 28,000 years ago, while Homo sapiens emerged in Europe