According to genetic and fossil evidence , archaic `` Homo sapiens '' evolved to anatomically modern humans solely in Africa , between 200,000 and 100,000 years ago , with members of one branch leaving Africa by 60,000 years ago and over time replacing earlier human populations such as Neanderthals and `` Homo erectus '' .
According to genetic and fossil evidence , older versions of `` Homo sapiens '' evolved only in Africa , between 200,000 and 100,000 years ago , with members of one branch leaving Africa by 60,000 years ago and over time replacing earlier human populations such as Neanderthals and `` Homo erectus '' .