Which term describes the belief that human races have a single origin?

Monogenism is the term that describes the belief that all human races have a single origin, suggesting that all humans descended from a common ancestral population. This perspective emphasizes the unity of the human species and the idea that differences among races are minor and arose after the initial diversification of humans from that singular source.

In anthropological discourse, monogenism contrasts with polygenism, which posits that different races have different origins, effectively suggesting that different groups of humans emerged separately. Monogenism aligns with the view that although humans may exhibit a variety of physical characteristics, there remains a fundamental biological unity underneath.

This understanding has significant implications for discussions about race, identity, and the shared heritage of humanity, supporting the perspective of humans as one species rather than a collection of distinct groups.