Which of the following describes the idea of "Monogenism"?

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Enhance Your Knowledge for UCF's ANT2410 Exam. Prepare with quiz questions on cultural anthropology, explore humanity's rich tapestry, and increase your chances of excelling at the University of Central Florida.

The concept of monogenism posits that all humans share a single origin, suggesting that modern humans descended from a common ancestral population. This idea is rooted in the belief that despite the various physical and cultural differences observed among human populations, there is one shared lineage that connects all people. Monogenism contrasts with theories that propose multiple origins for different races, emphasizing the shared biological heritage of humanity.

In exploring the other options, it becomes clear why they do not fit the definition of monogenism. The notion of distinct biological races stems from polygenism, which suggests that different races evolved independently from different ancestral populations. Suggesting that races evolved independently implies multiple origins, which is directly opposed to the idea of a common ancestral lineage. Meanwhile, the perspective that human diversity is primarily a cultural construct focuses more on the social and environmental factors influencing cultural differences rather than a singular biological origin. Therefore, the correct understanding of monogenism aligns firmly with the idea of a single origin for all humans.