Maasai title  Our Common Ancient Ancestors  Our ancestors have
inhabited this planet for many millions of years, probably
originating from Africa and more specifically perhaps the Great
Rift Valley in Kenya (also known as the "Cradle of Mankind").
One theory is that the African landscape and climate (for
example the formation of the Great Rift Valley and a gradual
change from rain-forest to savannah) encouraged the evolution
towards modern humans. The clearing of forests drove a need to
descend from the trees and walk upright (bipedal) - offering the
advantages of faster speed over ground and a better vantage
point to survey the surroundings whilst freeing the hands to
carry objects or forage for food.  Fossil remnants have been
found in Africa dating back many millions of years, however the
best remains and knowledge of our ancestors extends back only
around four to five million years. Scientific opinions vary but
it seems there were at least two distinct genera; the early
Australopithecus which eventually