According to the Multiregional Hypothesis, which species is considered a common ancestor of modern humans?

The Multiregional Hypothesis posits that modern humans, or Homo sapiens, evolved simultaneously in various regions of the world from existing populations of archaic humans, specifically Homo erectus. This hypothesis emphasizes that rather than a single point of origin in Africa, multiple populations spread from this species globally and contributed to the gene pool of modern humans.

Homo erectus is considered the common ancestor of modern humans within this framework, as it is believed to have spread from Africa to other parts of the world, adapting to different environments and eventually leading to the diversity we see in modern human populations today. This contrasts with other hypotheses, like the "Out of Africa" theory, which suggests a more singular origin for Homo sapiens.

Homo habilis predates Homo erectus and is typically viewed as a more primitive ancestor rather than a direct contributor to modern human evolution. Homo sapiens are modern humans, and Neanderthals, while closely related to modern humans, are not considered direct ancestors but rather a separate branch that coexisted with early Homo sapiens. Thus, the reasoning for identifying Homo erectus as the common ancestor in the context of the Multiregional Hypothesis is rooted in its role as a widespread, adaptive