Origin of Man: The Out-Of-Africa Theory

Over twenty years ago, studies made by geneticists hinted at an incredible and unbelievable explanation for the origin of man kind. By tracing the trails of DNA left behind in multiple regions in the world, gathering samples from various different races and isolated indigenous tribes, scientists came up with a theory that all races of humans we know today originated from one location in mid-south Africa. Only after extensive research, and numerous DNA samples, have scientists been able to confidently publish their new founding. This new theory, as irrational as it sounds, after numerous experiments conducted was found to be more plausible and reasonable than the old theory of many different species of homosapiens in different areas and interbreeding.

Gathering such extensive data was difficult. It is an arduous task to travel to remote regions of earth and meet with indigenous tribes that have little to none outside contact. Many tribes even refused to cooperate, as they were suspicious with why scientists were drawing blood samples from and gathering DNA samples from their saliva with a cotton swab.

The long standing opposing theory to the “out-of-Africa” theory is called the Multiregional theory. To this day, many scientists still believe that homosapiens developed in different regions, adapted to their surroundings, and interbreed to preserve their race and create many different features of early humans. People argued that a large percent of the population is a result of this interbreeding, not from a single stemmed African species. The debate continues onwards, however, more and more genealogical evidence has been discovered to support the out-of Africa theory.

Perhaps the one obstacle that has troubled scientists most is the lack of physical evidence. A DNA trail clearly shows that traces of DNA and microorganisms were left behind during the migration out of Africa. However, there hasn’t been any fossils/prehistoric tools found on these trails, leading many scientists to question the validity of this theory. However, fossils are usually incredibly difficult to find, and many scientists argue that fossils or physical evidence is inapplicable in this particular research.