Human population genetics (HPG) involves the analysis of DNA polymorphisms to determine historical events and prehistorical events. It an also be known as molecular anthropology or archaeogenetics. The most important contribution of HPG to human evolution has been the support of the 'Out of Africa' hypothesis for the evolution of modern humans (Homo sapiens). This hypothesis suggests that modern humans evolved in Africa and moved into Asia and Europe about 100,000 years ago. There they completely replaced archaic humans (Homo erectus). HPG has provided a lot of evidence that this occurred, some of which is mentioned below, and some studies that suggested that it did not occur.

The experimental study of population genetics in other species often uses demography (population movement and size change) and selection to see their relative influence on the polymorphism of certain DNA sequences, usually containing genes. Essentially, HPG is the...