Palaeontology

Palaeontologists unveil new human ancestor

By T.K. Randall
September 10, 2015

Image: Homo Naledi Facial Reconstruction
Credit: Cicero Moraes (Arc-Team) et alii / CC BY 4.0 (adapted) Known as Homo naledi, the new species represents another chapter in the evolution of mankind and is being hailed as one of the most significant new palaeontological discoveries in years.

The bones were found by Steven Tucker and Rick Hunter inside a concealed chamber deep within a cave known as Rising Star which has long been a popular destination for cavers.The chamber contained the remains of at least 15 individuals and is believed to have been used as a burial site where these prehistoric people would have laid their dead to rest.

So far more than 1,550 fossil elements have been discovered - the largest number ever found at a single African site - and scientists believe that the cave could still hold many more.


Source: National Geographic

Tags: Homo naledi, Human