Praxis II: Biology Content Knowledge Exam Prep

Answer: E, According to accepted scientific knowledge, the species Homo sapiens arose in Africa. Humans are believed to have existed in Africa for 100,000 years before migrating into South Asia.

Key Takeaway: The first direct predecessors to humans (genus Homo) arose about 2.5 million years ago. Over time, many species in the Homo genus developed, including Homo erectus. It is believed that Homo erectus is the species that eventually gave rise to Homo sapiens, with Homo heidelbergensis generally believed to be an intermediate step. Further confirming this theory was the discovery of mitochondrial DNA from “Eve”, who had similar genetics to modern humans and is considered the mother of the species.