Dispersal of hominins

Describe the dispersal of hominins out of Africa

1. 2 Mya, H.erectus spread into Eurasia e.g China and Indonesia.

2. 1 MYA, H.erectus continue to expand across Asia and Europe

3. 300 KYA, homo sapiens evolve in africa

4. 70 KYA, homo sapiens migrate to the middle east

5. 50 KYA, fossil evidence shows Homo sapiens in Australia

6. 40 KYA, homo sapiens reach Europe

7. 20 KYA, homo sapiens reach the americas through beringia

8. 2500 years ago, settlers disperse across the polynesian islands

9. 800 years ago, polynesians reach New Zealand

describe reasons for dispersal out of Africa

Hominins likely dispersed due to resource pressure, such as food shortages caused by climate change. Overpopulation may have increased competition and conflict, pushing groups to move. In addition, migration and exploration could be rewarded with access to new areas rich in food and resources.

describe the Out Of Africa hypothesis

Homo erectus evolved in Africa around 2 million years ago and some populations migrated into Asia (~1.8 MYA), where later hominins such as Neanderthals evolved from these outside-African groups. Homo sapiens later evolved in Africa and spread out around 70,000-50,000 years ago, replacing other hominins and colonizing the rest of the world.

describe the multi-regional hypothesis

Homo erectus spread from Africa ~2 million years ago and populations in Africa, Europe, and Asia evolved into Homo sapiens at the same time, with gene flow between regions keeping populations connected. This explains regional differences in modern humans as long-term local evolution.