Africa

A Second Human Species. Humans first appeared in Africa, and there you will still find the greatest diversity of humans. But until very recently, the genus Homo had more than one species. By the time of the Fifth World, a second human species has appeared. Centuries ago, scientists noticed that chimpanzee brains evolved faster than humans. By the time of the Fifth World, chimpanzees have begun to use tools and build shelters. They communicate with each other in complex ways. The other humans in Africa can recognize them as a fully human species, but the differences between them often cause problems.

Immense Jungles. With more rainfall, Africa's rain forests have grown immensely. The Sahel first turned greener, and then became rain forest. Even the Sahara transformed, first into the lush grasslands of ten thousand years ago, and then into further jungles. Much of this region has become uninhabitable by humans. It has become simply too hot for humans to survive. But other species have found a niche there, and prosper in the intense heat.

Visit the forums for Africa in the Fifth World

Click on one of the continents for some of the major changes that took place there.