Ancient Humans Coexisted: New Research Reveals Two Types
- A groundbreaking study has revealed evidence that two distinct hominin species coexisted in the same region of Ethiopia millions of years ago.
- The research, led by paleoanthropologist Yohannes Haile-Selassie of Arizona State University, centers around a fossil discovered in 2009, dubbed the "Burtele foot." This fossil belongs to a...
- Previously, Australopithecus anamensis was only known from limited fossil evidence.
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Coexistence of Early Hominins: New Fossil Revelation in Ethiopia
Table of Contents
Discovery at Woranso-Mille: A New Outlook on Human Evolution
A groundbreaking study has revealed evidence that two distinct hominin species coexisted in the same region of Ethiopia millions of years ago. The findings,stemming from ancient human fossils unearthed at the woranso-Mille paleontological site in the Afar Rift,challenge previous understandings of early human evolution.
The research, led by paleoanthropologist Yohannes Haile-Selassie of Arizona State University, centers around a fossil discovered in 2009, dubbed the ”Burtele foot.” This fossil belongs to a species currently designated as Australopithecus anamensis, considered more primitive than the famed “Lucy” species, Australopithecus afarensis.
The Burtele Foot: Key Characteristics adn Significance
Previously, Australopithecus anamensis was only known from limited fossil evidence. The discovery of additional bones and teeth in the same area as the Burtele foot suggests that this species was not simply an ancestor to Australopithecus afarensis, but rather coexisted with it.
Illustration depicting the differences in foot structure between Australopithecus anamensis (Burtele foot) and Australopithecus afarensis (Lucy).
Haile-Selassie explains, “When we discovered the foot in 2009 and announced it in 2012, we knew it was different from Lucy’s species, Australopithecus afarensis, which has become widely known as then.”
Anatomical differences: Climbing vs. Walking
Foot Morphology and Locomotion
The Burtele foot exhibits meaningful anatomical differences compared to Australopithecus afarensis. Notably, the big toe of Australopithecus anamensis is positioned more sideways, resembling the thumb of a hand. Furthermore, the toes are proportionally longer.
These features suggest a greater aptitude for climbing trees. The sideways orientation of the big toe influenced their gait, resulting in a walking style that involved pushing off with two toes. This contrasts with the more efficient, heel-to-toe walking characteristic of Australopithecus afarensis.
| Feature | Australopithecus anamensis (Burtele Foot) | Australopithecus afarensis (Lucy) |
|---|---|---|
| Big Toe Orientation | Sideways (like a thumb) | Aligned with other toes |
| Toe Length | Longer | Shorter |
| Climbing Ability | High | Moderate |
| Walking Style | Two-toed push-off | heel-to-toe |
Implications for Human Evolutionary History
This discovery challenges the linear progression model of human evolution, suggesting a more complex and branching evolutionary tree. The coexistence of these two species indicates that multiple hominin lineages were present in East Africa during this period.