Out of Africa II

The "Out of Africa" theory, also known as the recent African origin model, posits that modern humans (Homo sapiens) evolved in Africa and then migrated to other parts of the world, replacing earlier hominin populations. This theory is supported by genetic data, particularly mitochondrial DNA, which indicates a common African origin for all present-day humans.12

Fossil evidence suggests that Homo sapiens emerged in Africa around 315,000 years ago, with remains found in Morocco dating to this period. Earlier estimates placed the origin around 200,000 years ago in East Africa, based on fossils found in Ethiopia.2

The "Out of Africa" model contrasts with the multiregional evolution theory, which suggests that Homo sapiens evolved concurrently in different regions of the world from local archaic Homo populations. While there were migrations of hominins out of Africa and back again throughout prehistory, the "Out of Africa" model remains the most widely accepted explanation for the origin and spread of modern humans.134