A 300,000-year-old origin story for humanity has been challenged by scientists who propose an alternative theory on how intelligent life emerged. The traditional view, known as the “hard steps” theory, suggests that developing technological-level intelligence was a long shot and highly improbable. However, researchers are now arguing that this outcome may not have been as unlikely as initially thought.
According to the new theory, certain planetary attributes make a planet habitable for intelligent life, rather than requiring numerous fortunate events. This perspective proposes that Homo sapiens and other extraterrestrial life forms may be the probable result of biological evolution under these specific conditions.
Source: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/02/15/world/science-health/intelligent-life-earth-study