The Skhul and Qafzeh skeletons are not identical with those of modern people but are clearly distinguishable from those of Neanderthals, and are generally classified as an early form of Homo sapiens.

ECONOMIST: Gaining the upper hand

But many questions remain about the genetic relationships between these early modern humans and present-day Homo sapiens populations.

BBC: Fossil human traces line to modern Asians

You see, a current ad for the brand shows an ape, then an early hominid seeing a can of Dr. Pepper, and finally a homo sapiens drinking a can of the soda.

FORBES: Dr. Pepper Ad Stirs the Mother of Evolution Battles on Facebook