Which hominin species is known to be the first to leave Africa?

Homo erectus is recognized as the first hominin species known to have left Africa. This species is significant for its wide geographic dispersal, with evidence of its presence found across Africa and into Europe and Asia. The migration of Homo erectus is believed to have occurred around 1.9 million years ago, marking a crucial step in human evolutionary history.

Homo erectus is notable for its more advanced tool-making techniques compared to earlier species and exhibited traits that suggest a level of adaptability to varying environments. These advancements likely played a crucial role in its ability to migrate out of Africa.

In contrast, other species mentioned did not exhibit the same level of dispersal. Homo habilis, while one of the earliest species in the Homo genus, primarily lived in Africa and did not show evidence of migration. Homo sapiens, although they eventually spread worldwide, arose later and did not leave Africa until approximately 300,000 years ago. Australopithecus afarensis, an earlier hominin, also remained predominantly in Africa and is known primarily for its bipedalism and status as a predecessor to later hominins but did not migrate out of Africa.