1) Download this handoutPreview the document. This handout has images of skulls from the locations that we are discussing. It also has a summary of the evidence that we have from each region and a short description of each of the models. You will need the images and the data table to complete your evaluation of each dispersal model.

2) For each model, indicate whether the evidence on the handout matches what we would expect to see if the model were an accurate explanation of modern human dispersal. Please use these lists of what we should expect to see to craft your responses so that I know you are looking at all the evidence. Ultimately I am looking for three paragraphs (one for each model). Each paragraph should contain responses to each entry on the “what we should expect” list for that model. So, for your Out-of-Africa model paragraph, you will start by looking at the handout to determine whether or not the oldest anatomically modern human fossils are found in Africa and nowhere else. You will then write down what you find. After this you should see if intermediate forms are found only in Africa, and write this down, and so on! 🙂

According to the Out-of-Africa Model, we should expect to find:

1. The oldest anatomically modern human fossils in Africa and nowhere else.
2. Intermediate forms (i.e. advanced premoderns) only in Africa.
3. Chronological overlap between emigrant moderns and indigenous late archaics.
4. Anatomical differences between moderns and late archaics outside Africa.
5. Genetic differences.
6. Sudden arrival of African artifacts in Europe & Asia
7. No genetic or morphological evidence of hybridization
According to the Multiregional Model, we should find:

1. Early versions of anatomically modern Homo sapiens in different regions at the same time.
2. Intermediate forms (advanced premoderns) in all regions.
3. No chronological overlap between late archaics & modern forms.
5. Genetic continuity on all continents
6. Artifactual continuity on all continents
According to the Assimilation Model, we should expect to find:

1. The oldest anatomically modern human fossils in Africa and nowhere else.
2. Intermediate forms (i.e. advanced premoderns) only in Africa.
3. Chronological overlap between emigrant moderns and indigenous late archaics.
4. Anatomical differences between moderns and late archaics outside Africa.
5. Genetic differences.
6. Sudden arrival of African artifacts in Europe & Asia
7. Genetic and morphological evidence of hybridization
3) After you have evaluated each model, tell me which model fits the data the best!