Early human expansion adapted to Africa’s diverse habitats before migrating elsewhere, study finds

Early Human Expansion Into Eurasia Succeeded Only After Adapting to Africa’s Diverse Habitats, Study Finds

Long before modern humans settled across the globe, earlier attempts to leave Africa had failed. A new study now suggests why only one migration succeeded — and it all began with how early humans learnt to survive Africa’s changing environments.

Survival Skills Evolved Before Global Spread

A team led by Professor Eleanor Scerri from the Max Planck Institute of Geoanthropology and Professor Andrea Manica of the University of Cambridge has discovered a vital clue. Using data from over 120,000 years of archaeological records, scientists studied how humans adapted to different African landscapes.

Co-lead author Dr Emily Hallett explained that their team applied ecological tools to understand how early humans expanded their “niche” — or the range of habitats they could survive in. According to Dr Michela Leonardi of London’s Natural History Museum, humans began to thrive in forests, grasslands and even deserts from around 70,000 years ago.

Adapting to Harsh Habitats Was Key

The study, published in Nature, reveals that earlier migrations may have only occurred during periods of favourable weather. These “green corridors” opened briefly through the Saharo-Arabian desert belt, allowing movement into Eurasia. But it wasn’t until about 60,000 to 50,000 years ago that humans managed a lasting expansion — despite harsher climate conditions.

Researchers found no major technological innovations or immune advantages at that time. Instead, success came from ecological flexibility. Humans had learnt to adapt to a wide variety of African habitats, which may have prepared them for more demanding environments abroad.

Cultural Exchange Likely Strengthened Expansion

According to Prof. Scerri, this ability to survive in harsh regions may have emerged from increased cultural exchange across Africa. As groups interacted more, they likely shared survival strategies, which helped break down natural barriers and expand their ranges.

“These humans were unlike any previous groups,” said Prof. Scerri. “They were resilient, socially connected and ecologically skilled — traits that helped them spread far beyond their homeland.”

The study was supported by the Max Planck Society, the European Research Council and the Leverhulme Trust.