The future of the race concept depends in part upon the interpretations made of the molecular, biochemical, and anatomical evidence for the recent origins of homo sapiens. Evidence of the decline of the concept among physical anthropology professors and in texts and research publications is presented, along with four reasons for the change. Three models regarding recent human origins are reviewed, each of which uses race as a descriptive term for a population aggregate. Each model carries implications that could strengthen or weaken the racial interpretation of human origins and the race concept. The phylogenetic status of Homo erectus outside of Africa is contingent in part upon the outcome of this debate.
