The appearance of Homo sapiens on the African landscape some 200,000 years ago is detailed. Scientists now believe that the early humans evolved in many places across the continent at the same time, not just in eastern Africa. Also: DNA evidence that early Homo sapiens inter-bred with other human species in Africa.

The arrival of early humans in Australia is detailed. Included: the cultural and genetic links between early Australians and modern-day Aborigines.