Final answer:
Humans did not stop evolving after our species first appeared in Africa. Homo sapiens have continued to evolve through natural selection and have experienced a complex pattern of migration and interbreeding. The Out of Africa model is widely accepted, but ongoing research, including genetic studies, suggests a more intricate evolutionary process.
Step-by-step explanation:
No, humans did not stop evolving after our species appeared in Africa. The evidence we have suggests that modern humans, or Homo sapiens, first emerged in Africa around 200,000 years ago and have continued to evolve since then. The process of evolution is continuous, and our species is no exception. We know that Homo sapiens eventually left Africa and spread around the globe. Over time, different populations encountered varying environments, which led to new selective pressures and subsequent evolutionary changes.
The Out of Africa model is the most commonly accepted theory of human evolution. It suggests that all humans share common ancestors from Africa. However, there is also evidence supporting the idea of multi-regional evolution, where modern humans mixed with other human species like Neanderthals as they migrated around the world. Various tools, including archaeology and molecular genetics, have helped us understand that the rise of Homo sapiens involved a complex pattern of migration and interbreeding.
Additionally, the study of genetics, such as the genomes of both humans and lice, has provided insights into coevolution and the human story. The diversity of genetic traits, especially in Africa, indicates ongoing evolution. Climate changes, such as increasing dryness, may have triggered early migratory movements out of Africa, promoting further evolutionary divergence.