Researchers discovered fossilized footprints of two different hominin species, Paranthropus boisei and Homo erectus, in Kenya’s Turkana Basin. The discovery suggests that the two species were aware of each other’s existence and raises questions about their interactions.
Researchers Discover Fossilized Footprints of Two Different Hominin Species in Kenya’s Turkana Basin
Fossilized Footprints Discovered
The researchers found a continual set of footprints made by a single Paranthropus boisei individual, which suggested that it was walking at a modestly fast pace. The impressions differed from those observed in modern humans, with aspects of big toe anatomy consistent with the patterns seen in the footprints.
Three Separate Prints Found
In addition to the trackway, three separate prints were found close by, which appeared similar to those observed in modern humans, suggesting they were made by Homo erectus. The researchers noted that these prints were in different orientations to the trackway, indicating that the two species were likely aware of each other’s existence.
Implications of the Discovery
The discovery raises fascinating questions about how the two species would have interacted and what their relationships might have been like. While it is impossible to be completely sure which species made the tracks, the team has been careful in assessing the probabilities.
Context of the Discovery
Quotes from Researchers
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“It’s wonderful that these early human relatives can now be placed directly in a lakeside landscape, walking and wading on wet surfaces, and probably feeding on the plant and animal resources there,” said Dr. Kevin Hatala.
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“This raises lots of fascinating questions about how they would have interacted, and we don’t have all of those answers yet,” added Dr. Hatala.
Related Topics
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Evolution
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Biology
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Archaeology
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Anthropology
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Kenya
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Africa
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News
The Discovery
The Footprints
The researchers found a series of footprints that were apparently made by a single individual from the Paranthropus boisei species, also known as Nutcracker Man. These footprints showed a big toe anatomy consistent with patterns observed in fossilized tracks from this species.
In addition to the Paranthropus boisei footprints, three separate prints were found close by that appeared similar to those observed in modern humans, suggesting they were made by Homo erectus, an ancestor of our own species.
The Significance
The discovery of these footprints provides a direct snapshot of the two species together on the same immediate landscape. This is the first time that fossilized marks have been found that were apparently made in the same place within hours or days of each other.
Conclusion
- theguardian.com | Footprints in Kenya show distant relatives of modern humans ...
