Final answer:
The theory that posits that modern Homo sapiens appeared as a new species in Africa about 200,000 years ago is called the “Out of Africa” model.
Step-by-step explanation:
The argument that modern Homo sapiens appeared as a new species in Africa about 200,000 years ago is called the “Out of Africa” model. This theory posits that modern humans first emerged in Africa and then spread out to replace other hominid species across other continents. The “Out of Africa” model is supported by fossil evidence and genetic data that trace back to Africa around this time.
Another theory proposed is the “multiregional evolution model”, suggesting that Homo sapiens evolved from Homo erectus in multiple regions around the same time. However, the “Out of Africa” model remains the most commonly accepted theory.