| Abstract: |
Considers two current opposing hypotheses to explain the origins of modern humans: the `Multi-regional Model' and `Single Origin (or out of Africa) Model'. The former hypothesis proposes that regional differences in morphology observed today already existed in archaic populations, but new, more precise dating techniques and work on human mitochondrial DNA now tend to support the latter hypothesis -- that of a recent single origin of all living peoples. Fossils evidence from Africa and elsewhere is examined, and the incidence and distribution of the characteristics of five recent populations (Europe, Africa, Southeast Asia, East Asia and Australia) are studied. Although the basis of the Multi-regional Model is refuted, the pattern and degree of population differences are not considered consistent with a single temporal origin or modern peoples. On this basis, a model of multiple sequential diversifications, starting from an archaic population, is proposed. |
