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Definition

noun

A theory proposed by Christopher Stringer and Peter Andrews suggesting that the place of origin of modern human beings is in Africa. Early human predecessors then spread to the various parts of the world, replacing the Neanderthals and other hominids that eventually became extinct.

Supplement

This theory surmises that the regional anatomical differences of today's modern humans are of recent developments.

Variant(s):

• African replacement model
• Replacement hypothesis

Synonym(s):

• out of Africa model
• recent single-origin hypothesis (RSOH)
• Noah's ark model
• Recent African Origin model
• recent African origin of modern humans

Compare: 

• Multiregional model