Scholars of human origins now largely agree that the evolution of the modern human form predates the emergence of modern human behavior. However, they remain divided on how to interpret the available evidence. Two fundamentally opposing perspectives—the “Replacement” and “Continuity” models—have emerged from longstanding theories dating back to the late 19th century. This book argues that these perspectives stem from deeply ingrained biases and differing assumptions about the distant human past. Rather than seeking consensus, this volume critically examines these conceptual divides, exploring why agreement may be unattainable. Contributors from archaeology, paleoanthropology, and molecular biology offer insights into the complex puzzle of human evolution.

Category: Discovering Our Distant Ancestors

Subjects: evolution, evolutionary theory, human origins