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Genetic evidence on modern human origins
1Department of Anthropology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City 84112.
Human Biology
|February 1, 1995
Summary
Genetic evidence suggests human population expansion occurred between 33,000 and 150,000 years ago. This review challenges existing models of human origins, supporting a "weak Garden of Eden" hypothesis.
Area of Science:
- Human Evolution
- Population Genetics
- Paleoanthropology
Background:
- Understanding modern human origins is crucial for tracing our species' history.
- Existing models like multiregional and replacement theories offer different explanations for human population dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review genetic evidence related to human population history.
- To evaluate current models of modern human origins based on genetic data.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of genetic evidence to infer population sizes and separation times.
- Comparison of findings with established models of human evolution.
Main Results:
- Human population size expanded significantly between 33,000 and 150,000 years ago.
- Human races separated tens of thousands of years prior to their expansions.
- Initial populations were small, with at least 1000 breeding individuals.
Conclusions:
- Inferences contradict both multiregional and replacement models.
- Findings support the "weak Garden of Eden" hypothesis.
- Human populations separated around 100,000 years ago, with expansions occurring later.