Yes, Virginia, there was an Adam

This is a book review for those who don�t still live on a flat earth and are curious about where we came from. In his book The Journey of Man, Spencer Wells reveals how developments in the science of population genetics have made it possible to trace the migrations and history of humanity over the last 60 thousand years. The subject is very complex but Wells is able to make it simple without being simplistic. As in any such study there is a lot of speculation but Wells, to his credit, makes it clear when this is the case.

Genetic clues would lead us to believe that there was an Adam in Africa about 60 thousand years ago. Cultural anthropology would tells us there was probably more than one Eve. This Adam had a very important mutation, one that resulted in additional short term memory. This change resulted in a human that was better able to respond to the environment but more important it allowed humans to do syntax. Communication went from one or two words to complex sentences vastly improving communication and changing the human race forever.

About 50 thousand years ago changes in the climate made it both possible and necessary for humans to begin the migration out of Africa. The genetic information would indicate that there were two major migrations and Wells describes these migrations in detail.
If you are curious this is a good read. Much of it is speculation but it seems to fit the evidence.

Cross posted at Middle Earth Journal