A new study published in Nature on June 18, 2025, reported that ancient Homo sapiens had already developed strong adaptability to different and difficult environments before leaving Africa about 50,000 years ago. Archaeologists from the Max Planck Institute and Loyola University Chicago examined archaeological sites across Africa from 120,000 to 14,000 years ago and used climate models to understand conditions in those areas. Their research showed that around 70,000 years ago, early humans started living in more types of environments, including deserts and rainforests, not just savannas and forests. This ability to adapt is believed to have helped them migrate and spread across the world.

The study questioned older ideas that early humans left Africa because of a new tool or method. Instead, the researchers focused on behavioral flexibility. They described Homo sapiens as “ecosystem generalists,” meaning they could survive in many different conditions by using available resources. This made it easier for them to live in extreme areas where other species could not. Although other human species like Neanderthals also left Africa, only Homo sapiens were able to succeed in a wide range of environments. Experts called this ability both strong and lasting. While the study gives new insights into early human behavior, it also leaves an open question about why Homo sapiens continued to survive while other early humans became extinct.