Out of Africa - The Prequel

[JustFiveMoreMinutes]

Okay... maybe I've thought about this in the past, or read about it, or whatever, but last night watching the Neanderthal documentary concerning the genome project, etc. and possible interbreeding with Modern Man.... I couldn't remember......


So Neanderthal was in Europe before Modern Man.

When was their exodus?

Was it the same path as Modern Man?

What was the impetus for them to leave the savannahs?

Is there an 'Out of Africa - Neanderthal' Theory as well?

Any resources? (online that is.... Smile)

[liberalpragmatist]

1. Multiple "out of Africas"

If I'm up-to-date, the current theory is that there was an early "out of Africa" migration of Homo erectus that populated Southern Asia, the Middle East and Europe. In Asia, H. erectus remained H. erectus (and may also have evolved into H. floresiensis -- "the hobbit" that was discovered a couple years ago, but which is disputed), in the Middle East, it evolved into Homo antecessor, and in Europe first it evolved into Homo heidelbergensis and then into Homo neanderthalensis.

Later, there was a SECOND migration from Africa of modern Homo sapiens, that then displaced existing H. erectus and neanderthal populations in Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.

[JustFiveMoreMinutes]

2. See what happens when you leave home too early?

Thanks!

I KNEW I knew this.. just needed a refresher.. and all you said fired up some old tired neurons!

[liberalpragmatist]

3. Haha, no problem

Of course, I might still be wrong, so if someone feels free to correct me..

Human evolution is one of my geeky interests.

[Indenturedebtor]

4. No I think that's pretty much the prevailing theory

Although there are still many who think that homo sapiens may have developed gradually in different areas through waves of migration and interbreeding among the already established homo erectus populations.

[Esra Star]

5. Have you seen this?

It is a rendering of the probable path of the human race.
You will need broadband to view it.
Enjoy.

http://www.bradshawfoundation.com/journey/

[JustFiveMoreMinutes]

6. Thanks, I'll definitely check it out!