The Missing Link
"The Missing Link" refers to a hypothetical fossil or species that would connect modern humans to their evolutionary ancestors. It is often used in discussions about evolution and the theory of evolution, which explains how species change over time through natural selection. Scientists search for these links to better understand the evolutionary process.
In the context of human evolution, the term is frequently associated with early hominins, such as Australopithecus or Homo habilis. These species exhibit traits that bridge the gap between primates and modern Homo sapiens. Discovering such fossils helps clarify the complex history of human development.