Final answer:
The argument that modern H. sapiens originated in Africa roughly 200,000 years ago is called the Recent African Origin model or Out of Africa model. The Multiregional Evolution model posits simultaneous evolution from Homo erectus in various regions. Evidence from genetics increasingly supports the Out of Africa model, indicating a complex history of migration and interbreeding.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Human Evolution Theories
The argument that modern H. sapiens appeared as a new species in Africa about 200,000 years ago is often known as the Recent African Origin model or the Out of Africa model. This theory posits that modern humans emerged first in Africa and then dispersed to other parts of the world, replacing other human species in the process. Contrasting this theory is the Multiregional Evolution model, which suggests that modern humans evolved from earlier hominin species such as Homo erectus concurrently in multiple regions around the world.
Regarding the Multiregional Evolution model, the statement that best describes it is: Modern humans evolved in many places in a piecemeal fashion. This theory emerged to explain the observed diversity among modern human populations. However, recent genetic studies have supported the Out of Africa model, suggesting a more complex pattern of migration and interbreeding with other hominin species, such as Neanderthals, that could reflect a combined model of human evolution.
Ultimately, this area of study is ever-evolving as new archaeological finds and advances in genetic analysis shed more light on the emergence and dispersion of Homo sapiens. The understanding of our origins and history of migration remains a dynamic field, inviting ongoing research and discussion.