Final answer:
Homo sapiens originated in Africa roughly 200,000 years ago, expanding out of the continent around 100,000 years ago. The "out of Africa" model is the most supported by genetic and fossil evidence, explaining the spread of modern humans worldwide. Advanced tools, control of fire, and a range of motivations led them to migrate across the globe.
Step-by-step explanation:
The origin of Homo sapiens is a fascinating subject that traces back to Africa approximately 200,000 years ago. The widely accepted "out of Africa" model proposes that modern humans first emerged in Africa and then expanded out of the continent around 100,000 years ago, eventually replacing other human species. This theory is supported by the majority of genetic data and fossil evidence, such as the oldest known Homo sapiens specimen discovered in Morocco in 2017. An alternative theory, the multiregional evolution model, suggests that Homo sapiens evolved from Homo erectus in several locations concurrently, but this model does not have the same level of support from genetic data as the "out of Africa" model does.
Throughout history, Homo sapiens utilized their advanced cognitive abilities to create sophisticated tools and control fire, which aided in their migration from Africa to various parts of the world, including eventually into the Americas. While the motives for these migrations varied from resource scarcity to curiosity, archaeological evidence indicates these migrations began as early as 200,000 years ago and involved following coastlines and moving through different terrains. The significant contributions of Homo sapiens to culture and technology, including the beginnings of art and complex tool-making, underscore the unique position of the species in Earth's history.