Final answer:
The genus Homo, and in particular Homo erectus, is the precursor from which modern humans, Homo sapiens sapiens, are believed to have emerged.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to current research, the genus that is believed to be the precursor from which modern humans emerged is the genus Homo. In particular, Homo erectus has been a focus as a potential ancestor of modern humans, Homo sapiens sapiens. The genus Homo first appeared between 2.5 and three million years ago and includes several species, some of which are considered direct ancestors of our own species, like Homo habilis and Homo gautengensis. Homo erectus is one of the most well-known of these species, having appeared around 1.5 million years ago.
Scientific consensus supports the "out of Africa" model, which posits that modern humans emerged first in Africa approximately 200,000 years ago and then spread outwards. The diversity of human species began to decline about 40,000-15,000 years ago, eventually leaving Homo sapiens as the sole surviving human species. This body of evidence is supported by both fossil finds and genetic analysis.