This Face Changes the Human Story. But How?

[Polar Maritime]

Scientists have discovered a new species of human ancestor deep in a South African cave, adding a baffling new branch to the family tree.

 

 

Homo nalediis a previously-unknown species of extinct hominin discovered within the Dinaledi Chamber of the Rising Star cave system, Cradle of Humankind, South Africa. This species is characterized by body mass and stature similar to small-bodied human populations but a small endocranial volume similar to australopiths. Cranial morphology ofH. nalediis unique, but most similar to earlyHomospecies includingHomo erectus,Homo habilisorHomo rudolfensis. While primitive, the dentition is generally small and simple in occlusal morphology.H. naledihas humanlike manipulatory adaptations of the hand and wrist. It also exhibits a humanlike foot and lower limb. These humanlike aspects are contrasted in the postcrania with a more primitive or australopith-like trunk, shoulder, pelvis and proximal femur. Representing at least 15 individuals with most skeletal elements repeated multiple times, this is the largest assemblage of a single species of hominins yet discovered in Africa.

DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.09560.001

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