RACE AND 3 MODELS OF HUMAN-ORIGIN

The future of the race concept depends in part upon the interpretation s made of the molecular, biochemical, and anatomical evidence for the recent origins of Homo sapiens. Evidence of the decline of the concept among physical anthropology professors and in texts and research publ ications is presented, along with four reasons for the change. Three m odels regarding recent human origins are reviewed, each of which uses race as a descriptive term for a population aggregate. Each model carr ies implications that could strengthen or weaken the racial interpreta tion of human origins and the race concept. The phylogenetic status of Home erectus outside of Africa is contingent in part upon the outcome of this debate.