The present human form, **Homo sapiens**, first appeared on Earth around **300,000 years ago**. This estimation is based on fossil evidence from places like Jebel Irhoud in Morocco, where the remains of early Homo sapiens have been discovered and dated to approximately 300,000 years ago.

The present human form, **Homo sapiens**, first appeared on Earth around **300,000 years ago**. This estimation is based on fossil evidence from places like Jebel Irhoud in Morocco, where the remains of early Homo sapiens have been discovered and dated to approximately 300,000 years ago.

### Evolution of Modern Humans:

- **Homo sapiens** evolved from earlier hominins. Prior to Homo sapiens, other human-like species such as **Homo erectus** and **Homo heidelbergensis** existed.

- Early Homo sapiens likely originated in **Africa**, and over time, they migrated out of Africa to other parts of the world, replacing or interbreeding with other hominin species like the **Neanderthals** in Europe and **Denisovans** in Asia.

### Key Characteristics of Modern Humans:

- Larger and more complex brains compared to earlier species.

- Development of advanced tools, symbolic thought, art, and culture.

- Ability to adapt to a wide range of environments due to social cooperation and innovation.

Thus, modern humans as we recognize them today have been on Earth for about **300,000 years**, marking the beginning of Homo sapiens as the dominant species.