Final answer:
Homo sapiens or modern humans appeared in Western Europe around 35,000 years ago, displaying advanced cultures and behaviors. They arose from Homo erectus and replaced existing hominid species such as Neanderthals, contributing to the human evolutionary narrative.
Step-by-step explanation:
About 35,000 years ago, Homo sapiens, the species to which all modern human beings belong, appeared in western Europe. These early modern humans were tall, had rounded skulls and steep foreheads, and an average cranial capacity of about 1,400 cubic centimeters. They displayed sophisticated behaviors, such as the use of tools, mastery of fire, and the wearing of animal skins for clothing. Artifacts from this period suggest a transition from Neanderthal populations, Homo neanderthalensis, who coexisted and possibly interbred with Homo sapiens, to the eventual dominance of our species.
Neanderthals, distinct from Homo sapiens, had evolved from Homo erectus and populated Europe and western Asia between 200,000 and 30,000 years ago. They were of stocky build with notable brow ridges and had larger brains, on average, than modern humans. They used fire, hunted large game, and sometimes buried their dead, which indicates a significant level of cultural development. The appearance of modern humans marked a significant shift in human evolution, signaling the spread of our species throughout the globe, including Africa, Asia, Europe, and eventually Australia.