 Modern humans, Homo sapiens, first evolved in Africa between 150,000 and 300,000 years ago, as shown by fossil discoveries in East Africa and genetic evidence indicating Africa’s greater human diversity. Over time, small groups of humans migrated out of Africa roughly 60,000–70,000 years ago, spreading across Asia, Europe, and eventually the rest of the world. DNA studies, including mitochondrial and Y-chromosome research, reveal that all non-African populations trace their ancestry back to these early African migrations. This shared origin makes Africa the cradle of humankind and connects every person on Earth to the continent through a common ancestral story.
New Jersey Student Learning Standards:
- 6.2.8.GeoPP.1.a: Compare and contrast the social organization, natural resources, and land use
of early hunters/gatherers and those who lived in early agrarian societies. - 6.2.8.GeoPP.1.b: Use maps to examine the impact of the various migratory patterns of
hunters/gatherers that moved from Africa to Eurasia, Australia, and the Americas.
Curriculum
- 3 Sections
- 3 Lessons
- Lifetime
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- Stage 11
- Stage 21
- Stage 31
