Final answer:
The 'out of Africa' migration of Homo sapiens began approximately 200,000 years ago, leading to global dispersion. Key milestones include the settlement in Southeast Asia and Australia 45,000 years ago, in Europe 40,000 years ago, in Central Asia around 25,000 years ago, and the Americas around 15,000 years ago. This demonstrates the significant adaptability of our species to diverse environments.
Step-by-step explanation:
The migration of Homo sapiens out of Africa is a significant event in human history, marking the global dispersal of our species. This journey began approximately 200,000 years ago when early humans started to migrate out of eastern and southern Africa. By following food sources and adapting to new environments, these humans expanded their range to occupy various parts of the world.
In Southeast Asia and Australia, archaeological findings indicate human settlements that are at least forty-five thousand years old. Central Asia was reached about twenty-five thousand years ago, and Europe around forty thousand years ago. The Arctic region, including Siberia, was inhabited by early humans around the same time. The last major continental expansion was to the Americas, where evidence suggests a presence as early as fifteen thousand years ago after crossing the Bering Land Bridge during an ice age.
The "out of Africa" model is the most widely accepted explanation for the expansion of Homo sapiens. This model posits that modern humans first appeared in Africa and then migrated outward, replacing other hominin species. This far-reaching migration led to the establishment of modern human populations across the globe, showcasing the species' remarkable adaptability to a wide range of climates and geographies.