Which hypothesis suggests that modern humans evolved from archaic sapiens in Africa and then spread globally?

Prepare for the University of Toronto ANT100Y1 Introduction to Anthropology Midterm Test. Enhance your understanding with multiple-choice questions and detailed explanations. Get ready for success in your anthropology exam!

The Replacement Hypothesis, also known as the "Out of Africa" model, posits that modern humans (Homo sapiens) originated in Africa and subsequently dispersed to other parts of the world, replacing archaic human species such as Neanderthals and Homo erectus. This hypothesis is supported by genetic evidence indicating that all non-African populations today descend from a relatively small group of humans that migrated from Africa.

This model contrasts with other theories, which suggest that modern humans evolved simultaneously in different regions (the Multiregional Hypothesis) or focus more on specific traits related to ecology and behavior, which are not directly related to the geographical origins of modern human populations. The Grasping-Leaping and Visual Predation Hypotheses specifically focus on behavioral and anatomical adaptations rather than the evolutionary history of modern humans.

In summary, the Replacement Hypothesis effectively accounts for the origins and global dispersal of Homo sapiens, supported by both fossil records and genetic data, establishing it as the correct answer in understanding human evolutionary history in this context.

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