Complexity Digest 2004.40 - 09.03

04-Oct-2004

Has The Combination Of Genetic And Fossil Evidence Solved The Riddle Of Modern Human Origins?, Evol. Anthrop.: Issues, News, & Rev. Bookmark and Share

Excerpts: Debate over the origin of modern humans continues (...). Currently, the genetic and fossil evidence is still used to support two different interpretations of the origin of modern humans. Some researchers claim that the genetic evidence is compatible with either an Out-of-Africa or a Multiregional model, while other scientists argue that the evidence supports only a Multiregional model of evolution. I argue that the fossil record and archeological evidence constrain interpretation of the genetic evidence and imply that very little, if any, admixture with Eurasian archaic hominins such as the Neanderthals occurred during the spread of modern humans out of Africa.