Human Evolution: Origins?

[shunyadragon]

Originally posted by dave654, Personally I see no problem with either the "out of Africa theory" and the "multi evolution theory." It stands to reason that hominids could have evolved sepreately in multiple parts of the world. The fact that all current humans have a genetic link back to an Eve does not dispute the multi evolution theory. What could have happend, IMO, is that there was interbreeding between the different sub-species of hominids, and extinction of the non-homosapien varieties. I believe the differences in body types could be evidence of this interbreeding. Some Europeans could be ancestors of homosapiens and cromagnons. Asians could have remnants of a hominid species indiginous to parts of Asia, etc. It does seem clear that African hominids did migrate to all points of the compass and eventually became the dominant, and only, species to remain til today.

Cro Magnon were early homosapiens. The current Out of Africa theory also fits well with what we know genetics and evolution. Back mixing of different subspecies is kind of messy. In reality subspecies may be able to cross, but in nature they usually do not. Subspecies are more like competitors, once they have diverged genetically. At this point they either evolve seperately due to isolation, adapt to different habitats, or compete and survival of the fitest plays a strong role. There is usually room for only one subspecies. The later is the most likely case when the last homosapien migration took place 'Out of Africa.

The diversification and evolution of other animals and plants seems to follow this model most of the time. There is usually a regional place of origin from where subspecies and species originate and raditate outward.