Theories on Origin of Modern Humans

Anthropologists have debated on two theories on the origin of humans.According to the single-origin theory modern humans emerged in just one part of old world and spread to other parts.While spreading they superseded Neanderthals and other per-modern Homo Sapiens.

The second theory known as continuous evolution theory suggests gradual evolution of humans in various parts of the world.The single -origin theory postulates that most of neanderthals and pre- modern Homo Sapiens did not evolve into modern humans.

The Neanderthals were extinct after 35,000 years ago and were replaced by modern humans.According to the single-origin theory,the original small population of Homos Sapiens had some biological and cultural advantage that allowed them to replace pre-modern Homo Sapiens.

According to Continuous -evolution theory anatomically modern looking humans gradually evolved from Homo eretus populations in various parts of the Old World.Homo Sapiens and Neanderthals represent phases in the gradual development of the anatomical features of modern human beings. There were continuous improvements in the technologies of making tools and cooking. These led to changes in the strength of jaws and skull bones.

An intermediate interpretation linking single -origin and continuous evolution theories has also been put forward.This states tht there might have been some replacement of one population by another,local continuous evolution and interbreeding.