Question

Why were our ancestors known as Homo sapiens?

Answer 1

Answer: Homo sapiens as a distinct species of the hominid family, which includes the great apes.

Explanation:

Although we did not evolve from any of the apes living today, we share characteristics with chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans (the great apes), as well as other apes. We most likely evolved from Homo heidelbergensis, the common ancestor we share with Neanderthals, who are our closest extinct relatives.