Where did the earliest humans live? A. Africa B. Asia C. Europe D. North America
A. Africa
The earliest humans, known as Homo sapiens, lived in Africa. So, the correct answer is A. Africa.
The earliest humans are believed to have lived in Africa, specifically in the region that is present-day Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania. To arrive at this answer, one can refer to scientific research and archaeological evidence.
1. Fossil Evidence: Fossils of early hominids, such as Australopithecus and Homo habilis, have been discovered in various locations in East Africa, particularly in the Rift Valley region. These fossils provide important clues about the geographic origins of humanity.
2. Genetic Studies: DNA analysis of modern humans has revealed that our species originated in Africa and then migrated to other parts of the world. The genetic diversity of present-day human populations is highest in Africa, further supporting the theory that Africa is the birthplace of humanity.
3. Stone Tools: Olduvai Gorge, located in Tanzania, is known for its rich archaeological deposits. This site has yielded some of the earliest stone tools, indicating the presence of early humans in Africa.
While humans did eventually migrate to other continents, the scientific consensus is that Africa is the cradle of humanity. Therefore, the correct answer is A. Africa.