Multiregional Origin of Modern Humans

Multiregional Origin Of Modern Humans

The multiregional hypothesis is a scientific model that provides an explanation for the pattern of human evolution. The hypothesis holds that humans first arose near the beginning of the Pleistocene two million years ago and subsequent human evolution has been within a single, continuous human species. This species encompasses archaic human forms such as Homo erectus and Neanderthals as well as modern forms, and evolved worldwide to the diverse populations of modern Homo sapiens sapiens. The theory contends that humans evolve through a combination of adaptation within various regions of the world and gene flow between those regions. Proponents of multiregional origin point to fossil and genomic data and continuity of archaeological cultures as support for their hypothesis.

The primary alternative model, which is the predominant position held in the scientific community, is the recent African origin of modern humans, which holds that modern humans arose in Africa around 100,000–200,000 years ago, moving out of Africa around 50,000–60,000 years ago to replace archaic human forms with limited interbreeding: one with Neanderthals and one with Denisovans.

Read more about Multiregional Origin Of Modern Humans:  Overview, Fossil Evidence, Genetic Evidence, Recent African Origin

Famous quotes containing the words origin, modern and/or humans:

    We have got rid of the fetish of the divine right of kings, and that slavery is of divine origin and authority. But the divine right of property has taken its place. The tendency plainly is towards ... “a government of the rich, by the rich, and for the rich.”
    Rutherford Birchard Hayes (1822–1893)

    The medieval university looked backwards; it professed to be a storehouse of old knowledge.... The modern university looks forward, and is a factory of new knowledge.
    Thomas Henry Huxley (1825–1895)

    All humans have a heart that can tell right from wrong.
    —Chinese proverb.

    Mencius.