Discovery of a New Species of Human in South Africa

A recent discovery of fossilized bones from 15 individuals of a previously unknown type of human has been hailed by scientists as a remarkable advancement in evolutionary research. According to Agence France-Presse, these fossils were found in a cave in Africa and announced for the first time on Tuesday. Approximately 1,500 fossil pieces were discovered in a corridor deep within a cave near Johannesburg, South Africa. This new human species has been named 'Homo naledi,' which means 'star' in the local Sotho language of South Africa. The name is derived from a place called 'Rising Star,' where the cave was discovered. Scientists have not yet been able to definitively determine the lifespan of this type of human, but according to Agence France-Presse, the new discovery opens a new horizon for finding the origins of human emergence. Lee Berger, a professor at the University of the Witwatersrand and a member of the research group studying the fossils, states, 'We have encountered a new type of human that appears to have been deliberately placed in the location where it was found. We have previously believed that burial rituals were exclusive to Homo sapiens, the current human species. We thought and believed that, but what we observed shows that another type of human also had this capability, which is extraordinary.' The report adds that the fossils were first discovered in 2013 by researchers from the University of the Witwatersrand, located 50 kilometers west of Johannesburg. Professor Chris Stringer from the Natural History Museum in London commented that 'the discovery of such a large volume of fossilized bones belonging to 15 ancient humans is significant. This finding indicates the complexity of the human lineage, and much research remains to uncover the ultimate roots and the history of modern humans.' Scientists indicate that the hands, wrists, and feet of this ancient human type resemble those of modern humans, but their brain size and upper body structure are more similar to early humans. John Hawks from the University of Wisconsin-Madison notes that 'Homo naledi' has a small brain, about the size of a typical orange. This type of human is estimated to be about 1.5 meters tall and weigh around 45 kilograms. Tracy Kivell from the University of Kent in the UK believes that the hands of these humans were apparently capable of using tools. 'Surprisingly, their fingers were extremely curved, almost more curved than all other hominins, indicating their ability to climb trees.' The report states that sixty researchers have been working on the fossils since 2013, and the mentioned cave still has much to reveal.