Which species is known as the first hominin found in Europe?

The designation of the first hominin found in Europe is attributed to Homo antecessor. This species is significant as it represents an early form of human that lived in Europe approximately 800,000 years ago. Fossils and archaeological findings attributed to Homo antecessor have been discovered primarily in the Atapuerca Mountains of Spain. Their discovery provided critical insights into the early migrations and evolutionary history of hominins in Europe.

Homo antecessor is often considered a potential common ancestor for both Neanderthals and modern humans, underscoring its importance in understanding our evolutionary past. The fossils indicate a mixture of both primitive and advanced traits, contributing to the conversation surrounding human evolution in a European context.

In contrast, while Homo habilis is one of the earliest known ancestors of modern humans, it has been primarily associated with East Africa. Homo neanderthalensis, or Neanderthals, lived later in Europe and are part of a different evolutionary branch. Homo sapiens, our own species, emerged even later and cannot be classified as the first hominin in Europe. Thus, the relevance of Homo antecessor in discussions of early European hominins is well-established in the field of anthropology.