Final answer:
Modern humans, known as Homo sapiens, are believed to have originated in Africa around 200,000 years ago before expanding globally, as suggested by the "out of Africa" model supported by genetic evidence.
Step-by-step explanation:
Modern humans, or Homo sapiens, have a single-origin story that is most commonly accepted as the "out of Africa" model. This theory suggests that modern humans emerged first in Africa around 200,000 years ago and then expanded out of Africa about 100,000 years ago, replacing other human species. Homo sapiens displayed distinguished traits such as taller stature, rounded skulls with steep foreheads, a cranial capacity of approximately 1,400 cubic centimetres, well-developed chins, and moderate brow ridges.
With sophisticated bone and stone tools and the mastery of fire, these early modern humans could hunt, protect themselves against predators, and settle in various climates due to the use of animal skins for clothing and shelter. The genetic evidence, particularly mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), supports the notion that all humans have common ancestors from Africa 200,000 years ago. Additionally, the interbreeding with Neanderthals is also a significant part of our ancestral history, after the initial emergence from Africa.