This Is What The Early Human Rewriting Evolutionary History May Have Looked Like
A 1.8-million-year-old skull unearthed in Dmansis, Georgia, represents the most complete early Homo skull ever found, a team of scientists reported Thursday in the journal Science.
The skull, referred to as "Skull 5," comes from the same time period and place as four other skulls found earlier at Dmanisi, but has some unique features - a small braincase (about one-third the size of modern humans) and large face with a protruding jaw and big teeth.
Researchers believe all five skulls come from the same Homo species, even though the creatures that left behind the skulls looked different from each other. This is different from how scientists have traditionally classified human fossils - lumping those with the same physical traits into the same species (read more on why this skull is so special here).
The individuals found at Dmanisi all belong to the species Homo erecutus, scientists say. In general, the creatures had long legs and short arms.
"Skeletal bones found with the skulls, including Skull 5, show that although these humans were short in stature, they had modern body proportions and could walk long distances," according to Science Magazine's Ann Gibbons.
This artist's reconstruction of the early human that left behind Skull 5 depicts a small brain and protruding jaw.
Art courtesy of J.H. Matternes]
And here's Skull 5:
Photo courtesy of Georgian National Museum
- I spent $2,000 for 7 nights in a 179-square-foot room on one of the world's largest cruise ships. Take a look inside my cabin.
- Colon cancer rates are rising in young people. If you have two symptoms you should get a colonoscopy, a GI oncologist says.
- Saudi Arabia wants China to help fund its struggling $500 billion Neom megaproject. Investors may not be too excited.
- Catan adds climate change to the latest edition of the world-famous board game
- Tired of blatant misinformation in the media? This video game can help you and your family fight fake news!
- Tired of blatant misinformation in the media? This video game can help you and your family fight fake news!
- JNK India IPO allotment – How to check allotment, GMP, listing date and more
- Indian Army unveils selfie point at Hombotingla Pass ahead of 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas