Final answer:
The earliest fossils of modern humans, Homo sapiens, date to approximately 200,000 years ago. These fossils mark the appearance of anatomically modern humans, distinct from Homo erectus and earlier Homo species. so, option 3 is the correct answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The earliest fossils of our own species, modern humans, or Homo sapiens, date to approximately 200,000 years ago. This era in human history is significant because it marks the appearance of anatomically modern humans. While Homo erectus emerged about 500,000 years ago and exhibits some traits akin to modern humans, they are not our direct ancestors. Similarly, the genus Homo appeared around 2.5 million years ago, with various human species evolving and inhabiting Earth over these millenia. However, the specific fossils confirming the presence of our species, Homo sapiens, point to their origins roughly 200,000 years ago, corroborated by genetic and archaeological evidence supporting the 'Out of Africa' model of human evolution.
The earliest fossils of our own species, Homo sapiens sapiens, date to approximately 200,000 years ago. These fossils provide evidence of modern humans and their evolutionary development. The fossil record allows scientists to piece together the story of our prehistoric past.