The "Out of Africa" theory posits that modern humans, Homo sapiens, originated in Africa and migrated to other parts of the world. This migration is believed to have occurred around 60,000 to 80,000 years ago, leading to the spread of humans across Europe, Asia, and beyond. Genetic evidence supports this theory, showing that all non-African populations share a common ancestry that traces back to Africa.
This theory contrasts with the multiregional hypothesis, which suggests that modern humans evolved simultaneously in different regions. The "Out of Africa" model has significant implications for understanding human diversity and the development of cultures as humans adapted to various environments worldwide.