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Out of Africa I

scientific theory
Also known as: “out of Africa” model, Out of Africa 1, single-origin theory(Show More)

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The "Out of Africa I" theory posits that earlier Homo species migrated from Africa before the evolution of Homo sapiens. This theory is complemented by the "Out of Africa II" model, which suggests that Homo sapiens also evolved in Africa and subsequently spread to other continents, replacing existing hominin populations.1

Fossil evidence indicates that these migrations were not singular events but occurred in multiple waves, both before and after 60,000 years ago. As Homo sapiens ventured out of Africa, they encountered other hominin species, leaving genetic traces in modern human DNA, including those of Neanderthals and Denisovans.1

The earliest known Homo fossils, dating back to around 2.8 million years ago, are found in Africa. The development of stone tools predates the emergence of Homo, suggesting that earlier hominins like Australopithecus may have created them. The evolution of Homo sapiens is marked by an increase in brain size and the development of more complex tools.2

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