Question on Human Origins

Maia Lynch (ml229@COLUMBIA.EDU)
Thu, 20 Apr 1995 13:01:30 -0400

My question concerns the debate that was brought up during the
3rd International Congress on Human Paleontology, during the summer of
'92, discussing Coon's theory of Regional Continuity explained in his
"Origin of the Races." Apparently the discussion led to the demise of
the major opposing "Eve Hypothesis."

I understand that Coon had less fossil evidence to work with, and with
that a few theories were proven wrong with recent fossil findings (ie:
his theory that the Mongoloid race was the first to reach sapiency.)
Nevertheless, I know little about these two theories, the debate that
existed over the two, and the outcome, if there ever was one. I would
appreciate it very much if someone could enlighten me on this issue.

Thanks.

Maia.